Science of the Local returns for its second event of 2017 looking at molecular biology and robotics
Springwood and Winmalee Neighbourhood Centres are inviting all Blue Mountains and western Sydney residents to Springwood Country Club on Sunday, May 21 from 2.30pm.
After Blue Mountains mayor Mark Greenhill and local MP Trish Doyle helped kick off proceedings for 2017 at the March event, the team is back with another great program.
Professor Merlin Crossley, a leading molecular biologist and current Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of NSW, will speak on modern genetics and gene editing.
Aside from leading a laboratory, Professor Crossley is an enthusiastic teacher and communicator of science and is currently on the board of the Conversation, an online media outlet that sources its content from the academic and research community.
Also speaking will be Jack Umenberger, a PhD student of robotics at the University of Sydney and former student at Winmalee High. His talk is titled “Artificial Intelligence in the 21st Century: Will robots cook your dinner with one hand while stealing your job with the other?”.
Science at the Local is free and consists of short and engaging presentations from leading scientists, with time for Q&A and discussion over a meal or drink. No bookings are required.
The event was founded by locals Kevin Joseph and Hamish Clarke and is supported by the Neighbourhood Centres in Winmalee and Springwood, who backed the pilot in November 2014.
Together they form the Blue Mountains Science Hub, a regional focal point for science communication and engagement activities in the mountains. The Hub is soon to be joined by the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens.
“We’re so proud of the community that’s united around this event,” said Mr Joseph. “We’re looking forward to a big year and hope we can draw even more people to our events and podcasts.”
“It’s a thrill to have someone of Merlin’s standing join us,” said Dr Clarke, who was taught by Professor Crossley during his undergrad days. “It’s equally awesome to be able to showcase an emerging talent from the Blue Mountains in Jack.”
Other 2017 events will be on July 23, September 17 and November 12. The usual venue, Springwood Sports Club, is undergoing renovations so the next few are at Springwood Country Club.
To get involved, go to www.facebook.com/ScienceAtTheLocal.
The initiative is supported by Inspiring Australia and the NSW Government.