Scientists have taken to the sky in an effort to inspire students across Central Queensland to study the STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Minister for Science, Meaghan Scanlon said that every year the Flying Scientists program, led by former Australian of the Year, Ian Frazer, visited cities and towns throughout regional Queensland.
“They speak about their incredible careers and research in a way that encourages school students to take a greater interest in STEM subjects,” Ms Scanlon said.
“The aim of the program is to inspire these students to consider a career in STEM by providing them with an opportunity to increase their understanding of how STEM disciplines can be used to improve the environment, and our health and wellbeing.”
She said the Flying Scientists program was developed to address the shortage of science-related events being held outside of South-East Queensland.
Ms Scanlon said science and innovation were helping to drive the Government’s COVID-19 economic recovery plan “whether that’s through renewable energy, advanced manufacturing or our education and research sector”.
Minister for Regional Development and Advanced Manufacturing, Glenn Butcher said the four-day trip to Central Queensland had begun in Gladstone, before other events in Biloela, Springsure and Emerald.
“In Gladstone, Professor Frazer (pictured) and a panel of outstanding scientists held a free community event at Central Queensland University about the surprising relationship between sunshine, skin cancer, and the bugs and viruses that live on our skin,” Mr Butcher said.
“Since the Flying Scientists program was launched in 2016, 111 scientists have engaged with more than 34,800 students and community members in 65 regional centres from Cooktown and Mt Isa in the north, to Charleville and Emerald in the west.”
