Melbourne to celebrate science

The City of Melbourne, in collaboration with Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s (MCEC) Club Melbourne Ambassador Program, is celebrating the city’s contribution to science with a free Melbourne Conversations event, 'Science makes Melbourne cool: Astonishing Facts and Stories'.

The discussion, to be held at MCEC on Wednesday 20th August, as part of Science Week (which runs from 16th to 24th August), aims to “help educate Melburnians on the city’s remarkable scientific achievements”, according to Melbourne Conversations Program Manager Jeff Taylor.

Taylor explains “the conversation forum will celebrate National Science Week with an injection of exciting factual stories from some of Melbourne’s best and brightest brains."

The conversation panel includes:

• Dr Cathy Foley, Deputy Director manufacturing flagship, CSIRO and Club Melbourne Ambassador; 
• Emeritus Professor Alan Trounson, Monash University and Club Melbourne Ambassador; 
• Associate Professor Christopher Fluke – Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, Swinburne University of Technology; 
• Dr Krystal Evans – Chief Executive, BioMelbourne; Bridie Smith – science editor, The Age; and 
• Niall Byrne – Creative Director, Science in Public and Club Melbourne Ambassador.

Commenting on her input, Dr Foley adds "the audience will hear an engaging discussion on how scientists are solving problems, as well as the science behind some of Melbourne’s greatest discoveries.

“We’ll share facts and figures and the importance of bringing science events to Melbourne and breaking news on the latest scientific innovations.”

As Club Melbourne Ambassadors, both Dr Foley and Professor Trounson play pivotal roles in shaping Melbourne’s scientific reputation. Representing Melbourne science on the global stage, as Ambassadors they work voluntarily to attract major scientific conferences and events to further enhance the city’s reputation.

Club Melbourne General Manager Suzana Bishop concluded “through our program, Ambassadors capitalise on Victoria’s position as a hub for research and innovation when attracting international events to Melbourne.”

High-profile science events taking place in Melbourne over the coming months, which Ambassadors have been involved in securing, include the International Association for Plant Biotechnology Congress in August and the International Conference on Systems Biology in October. 

Tickets are free but bookings are essential and can be accessed through www.mcec.com.au/whats-on.