SMSA Conversations Series – Science and Creativity

August 2008 SMSA Conversations Series – Science and Creativity

Where: SMSA, 280 Pitt St Sydney Entry is free, no bookings are required.

Wednesday 6th August 2008, 12:30pm to 1:30pm    Shaping Future Scientists

Compared with sport and finance, innovations in science receive very little media attention in Australia, barely a blip on our cultural radar. How does this affect the choices parents and students make about science as a serious career option? How do teachers excite the interest of students in science and contribute to the creation of a healthy culture of science in Australia?

Speakers: Professor Tony Baker, Faculty of Chemistry and Forensic Science, UTS & Jim Scott, Vice President, Science Teachers Association of NSW and Project Officer, NSW Government Essential Science Skills Assessment Initiative. Wednesday 13th August 2008, 12:30pm to 1:30pm Designing Future Sydney

A recent Sydney Morning Herald article stated “Plans to squeeze almost 100,000 new homes into the heart of Sydney and the inner west over the next 30 years will put further pressure on the city’s already crumbling transport infrastructure, critics of the State Government’s latest planning announcement say”. What ideas and innovations are emerging in urban design to ensure a “green, global and connected” Sydney?

Speakers: Dr Jack Barton, City Futures Research Centre,  Faculty of the Built Environment, UNSW & Alan Cadogan, Sustainable Sydney 2030, City of Sydney Council.

Wednesday 20th August 2008, 12:30pm to 1:30pm Meet a New Inventor

The ABC’s New Inventors program is “a fascinating search for Australia’s most amazing inventions and trend-setting designs”. Michael Stavrou has appeared twice on the program, taking out both the first prize and the People’s Choice award for his Smart Console invention. Join us for a look at the ABC New Inventors experience and insights into what drives this innovative inventor and author.

Speaker: Michael Stavrou, Inventor & author of Mixing with Your Mind.

Wednesday 27th August 2008, 12:30pm to 1:30pm Geek Girls & Women

Women have always played an important role in Australian science. What barriers do women seeking professional advancement in the sciences face? How do structural and social factors and cultural stereotypes affect the career progress and choices of women scientists?

Speaker: Dr Claire Hooker, Senior Lecturer, Medical Humanities, Sydney University and author of Irresistible Forces: Australian Women in Science.

Copies of Irresistible Forces will be available for sale and signing at this event.

For more information contact Colleen Woods outreach@sydneymsa.com.au