Celebrate National Science Week 2023
Sharks, jellyfish and whales are iconic marine creatures that spark people's interest in ocean sciences. This interactive and engaging event will bring the experience of marine researchers to lure and submerge young and adult minds into the charisma of marine animals and the science behind them. It will provide new ways to learn about the marine environment through creative presentations and interactive exhibits, bridging the gap between scientists and the local community.
The event will also inspire community participation in STEM by highlighting opportunities in local citizen-science projects. It will be free for all ages and held on the Gold Coast at a venue easily accessed by public transport, as well as live streamed for online viewing.
Welcome to an exciting marine science event that is perfect for all ages. We are passionate about the wonders of marine life and are excited to share marine research with you.
Our oceans are teeming with a diverse range of organisms, from tiny microscopic creatures to the magnificent blue whale. Come join us as we take you on a journey into the underwater world of the ocean's most iconic organisms.
From awe-inspiring sharks to the mesmerizing jellyfish, and the majestic whales, you'll learn about their unique characteristics, behaviour and habitats. See live jellies under the microscope, get hands-on with sharks, touch their skin and teeth and learn how they use our water ways. Immerse yourself in whale songs sung in the big blue as they rest along the Gold Coast.
Details
- Date: Sunday 20 August 2023
- Time: 10am – 2pm (AEST)
- Where: Currumbin RSL
- Cost: FREE
- All ages welcome
Live presentations will connect you, our local community, with researchers sharing important information about marine life and what is happening in our local marine environment. Enjoy fascinating underwater videos, learn about citizen science opportunities, and be a part of humpback whale surveys.
You'll also have the opportunity to interact with experts in the field, participate in hands-on activities, and get up close and personal with marine life.
Come and submerge yourself in a world of wonder and discovery with us. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn more about marine life and your local scientific community. We can't wait to see you there.
Program
| Time | Session | Presenter |
|---|---|---|
| 10 am | Welcome to Country by Uncle John Graham | |
| 10.10 am | First Nations and sea mullet science | Uncle John Graham (Griffith University) |
| 10.45 am | The secret life of sharks. Behaviours of our urban sharks | Dr Johan Gustafson (Shark Ecology Australia) |
| 11 am | The world of jellyfish: the good, the bad and the beautiful | Dr Kylie Pitt (Griffith University) |
| 11.15 am | Sea turtles: ancient marines of the Sea | Dr Jason Van De Merwe (Griffith University) |
| 11.45 am | How whales learn to eat: foraging culture in humpback whales | Dr Jenny Allen (University of California Santa Cruz) |
| 12 pm | What makes blue jellyfish, blue? | Dr Jonathan Wanderley Layley (Griffith University) |
| 12.15 pm | Revealing the hidden gems of oysters | Dr Ana Rubio (Spanish Researchers in Australia Pacific) |
| 12.30 pm | From the trees to the seas | Jasmine Rasmussen (Griffith University) |
| 12.45 pm | Remote and extreme health care in marine environments | Steve (Sunny) Whitfield (Explora Medical) |
| 1 pm | The world of whales on the Gold Coast | Sarah McCulloch (Griffith University) and Humpbacks and High-Rises (Citizen Science) |
| 1.15 pm | Dolphin Research (Citizen Science) | |
| 1.30 pm | Coral Watch (Citizen Science) | |
| 1.45 pm | Ocean Connect (Citizen Science) |