Community science series Science at the Local is back for a second event in Lithgow on Sunday, November 3 from 2.30pm at Lithgow Workies. The event is free and all are welcome.
Professor Iain McGregor from at the University of Sydney will be speaking about research into the therapeutic potential of medicinal cannabis. Also speaking will be Associate Professor Andrew Holmes, on the topic of "Your poo and you - gut microbial diversity and health".
"It's great to be back in Lithgow," said Science at the Local co-founder and high school teacher Kevin Joseph. "It was so good to meet folks from the community last time and we're hoping for an even bigger turnout this time round."
Professor McGregor is an NHMRC Principal Research Fellow and Director of the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics. He completed his undergrad studies at the University of Oxford and is a well known figure in the field of medical cannabis research. McGregor is also interested in oxytocin and its effect on social and addictive behaviours, novel psychoactive substances and pheromones.
Associate Professor Holmes conducts research into microbial diversity in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Sydney. His research interests include the role of gut microbial diversity in human health, exploring microbial diversity for new biological resources and the underlying evolutionary origins of microbial diversity.
"Microorganisms are the most abundant and the most diverse group of organisms on Earth," said Holmes. "They are also the most poorly known. As such the microbiota represent the largest unexplored biological resource on Earth."
"Science at the Local is not just about science, it's about community," said co-founder Hamish Clarke, a bushfire researcher at the University of Wollongong and Western Sydney University. "We've been building those connections in the Lower Mountains since 2014 and we'd love to keep coming back to Lithgow."
The final event for 2019 will be held at Springwood Sports Club on November 24 on the topics of quantum physics and the epigenetics of trauma.
To get involved, go to www.facebook.com/ScienceAtTheLocal.
The initiative is supported by Energy Australia, Inspiring Australia and the NSW Government.
