Fresh Science 2017 is coming to a pub near you

Fresh Science — an Australia-wide competition helping early-career researchers find, and then share, their stories of discovery — is now underway for 2017. Over 100 early-career scientists around Australia nominated for this year’s program, which takes young researchers with no media experience and turns them into spokespeople for science.

Following a day of media training, each of the 10 young scientists selected for each state describes their scientific discoveries at a public event held in a pub in their home state, in the time it takes a party sparkler to burn out. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

Both Queensland and South Australia held their Fresh Science events within the past couple of weeks, with finalists sharing stories of smart bandages, the sawfish saw, printable solar cells, wallabies’ immune tricks, ocean arteries, backward planets and more. NSW, Victoria and Western Australia will be holding their events very soon.

Tickets are free, but bookings are essential. Dates and locations are as follows:

• 15 November: The Forresters, Surry Hills, NSW. Book here.
• 29 November: Belgian Beer Cafe, Southbank, Vic. Book here.
• 6 December: The Brisbane Hotel, Perth, WA. Book here.

The Victorian and WA Fresh Scientists will also be taking part in a free, one-hour forum specifically for school students on the day of their respective events. Each scientist presents for five minutes and students have the chance to ask questions after each talk. The talks are aimed at Year 9 and 10 students, but students from upper primary up to year 12 are welcome.

The Melbourne event will be held at the Royal Society of Victoria, while the WA event will be held at the Maritime Museum in Fremantle. The school forums are free, but bookings are essential — for more information, email freshscience@scienceinpublic.com.au.

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/nazdravie