Science Roadshow Launched

A travelling science exhibition launched in Brisbane today will play a role in developing the next generation of world-class Australian scientists.

The University of Queensland is one of the major sponsors of the Queensland Sciencentre Roadshow - a highly interactive exhibition that visits at least thirty regional and rural communities throughout Queensland each year.

Vice-Chancellor of The University of Queensland, Professor John Hay said that many of the students who visited the Roadshow could well end up working in Queensland's rapidly developing biotechnology sector.

'When a new purpose-built complex is completed, the University's Institute for Molecular Bioscience will be aiming to attract more than 700 scientists from around the world, creating huge demand for high quality science graduates,' Professor Hay said.

'It is likely that some of those scientists will be the same young people who are currently studying or planning to study science in high schools around Queensland.'

Now in its fourth year of touring, the Queensland Sciencentre Roadshow was launched at the Queensland Sciencentre by the Minister for Employment, Training and Youth and Minister for the Arts, Hon Matt Foley.

Supported by The University of Queensland, The Courier-Mail and the Queensland Government, the Sciencentre Roadshow's objective is to demonstrate that science and technology are interesting and relevant to peoples' everyday lives through an informative and enjoyable hands-on learning experience.

With over 60 hands-on exhibits, together with engaging, interactive science shows, the Roadshow has been presented in 95 different locations to more than 93,500 people, including 79,660 students in 1,665 class groups. Primarily aimed at school children in years 4 to 10 and their teachers, public sessions are held at each location.

The Roadshow will tour throughout northern New South Wales and Queensland from March to November.

For more information contact Peter McCutcheon at UQ Communications on 07 3365 1088 or communications@mailbox.uq.edu.au