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Science in the spotlight at Gladstone festival

Science has been taken out of the labs and into the Gladstone community this weekend, as the region hosts the state’s first set of events as part of World Science Festival.

Speaking in Gladstone today, Minister for Science and Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said it was great to see the region once again embrace this engaging, exciting and educational science event.

“It is wonderful to be able to kick-off this year’s World Science Festival here in Gladstone.

“Last year’s festival attracted nearly 5,000 people, and more than 800 students attended yesterday’s student day.

“It’s clear that people in the Gladstone region are enthusiastic about science and are keen to explore the dynamic connection between science and our everyday world.”

Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said it was great to once again see so many locals attending this year’s festival.

“It is so important for our young people to engage and get excited about science as so many jobs of the future will be based on science,” Mr Butcher said.

“I know everyone in Gladstone marked their calendars as soon as the dates were announced and the buzz around town has been great and shows the people of Gladstone and central Queensland love science and the opportunity to learn.”

Queensland Museum Network CEO Dr Jim Thompson said the Gladstone Community Day is giving locals the opportunity to have fun while gaining better insight into the latest scientific advancements shaping our world.

“Gladstone has embraced the festival since 2017 and it will great to hear the stories of how many locals have been inspired and surprised,” Dr Thompson said.

The Gladstone event included Blasting the Past with Science Steve, who shared the great scientific breakthroughs of the past 150 years, and Let’s Talk Astrophotography with Australian Science Wildlife and Wild Places Photographer of the Year, Andrew Campbell.

For the first time in Gladstone visitors will be able to enjoy a night under the stars at the new Stargazing event tonight (Saturday 2 March) at Marina Parklands. Astrophysicist and Cosmologist, Brad Tucker, will take people on a journey through Gladstone’s night sky, helping them to identify the stars and unlock the secrets of our universe through special telescopes.

Street Science returned by popular demand featuring science innovations, 3D printing, drones, virtual reality and robots, Queensland Museum scientists and archaeologists and palaeontologists.

For more information about World Science Festival, visit: www.worldsciencefestival.com.au