MEDIA RELEASE - Growing Science Forum goes off with a bang!
August 2015
For the second year running, celebrity science guest speakers have wowed the Southern Forests audience at the Growing Science Forum, held on Friday in Manjimup.The forum is an initiative of the Southern Forests SEED program, which is a part of the Agriculture Expansion Project, supported by Royalties for Regions SuperTowns funding and the Department of Agriculture and Food.
The event kicked off with SEED patron Professor Lyn Beazley AO FTSE, who provided mind boggling insight into the wonders of light and sight. She also went into detail about how the use of drones to photograph crops under ultra violet light can potentially change farming methods in the future by pinpointing weeds, areas under attack from insects and patches that require more water and/or fertilizer.
As usual, second guest speaker Dr Karl Kruszelnicki gave an insightful perspective on science - historically, today and into the future. He encouraged students to use their brain to practice patience and discipline, particularly as they're experiencing advantages of never before - we're living in the most peaceful time in history and due to the 'Flynn Effect', their IQ is approximately 9 points higher than the last generation.
Dr Chris Smith (the naked scientist) talked about applying scientific principles, such as Isaac Newton's three laws of motion, to every day science questions. Newcomer to the science forum - Professor Andy Whiteley from the University of Western Australia - went into detail about microbes, why a team of researchers from UWA are mapping microbes all over the state and how and why his program 'microblitz' is involving the public in the research.
Shire President Wade DeCampo congratulated SEED Program coordinator Stephanie Carstairs for the inspiring calendar of events she has put together for two years running, showcasing the world of Agriculture, and the myriad of opportunities available in the region, to local students as well as education providers and people within the industry.
"The SEED program is really about supporting the potential we have here - the opportunities in agriculture are growing every day and we want to encourage our young people to drive and support the potential that exists, right here right now," said Shire President Wade DeCampo. "Agriculture doesn't carry the negative connotations it used to - it is diverse, it is innovative and it is scientific, hence the correlation between the SEED Program and the scientifically themed forum."
