Science Alliance Newsletter
March 2024
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Welcome to the first edition of Science Alliance for 2024.
Sustainability is becoming more important as our everyday demands on resources increase. In this issue we look at sustainability from several perspectives and the role we can all play to reduce our carbon footprint.
The theme for National Science Week this year is 'Species Survival – More Than Just Sustainability'. The theme aims to highlight the importance of science and innovation in ensuring the survival and the health of different species in an ever-changing world.
The University of Sydney is once again partnering with The Australian Museum and is proud to present the Sleek Geeks Eureka Prize short film competition. The theme for this year is 'Energy' and there are some great prizes up for grabs for both individuals and schools.
Interested in learning how to save our oceans with science? Taking place at Bondi Beach, the Volvo Ocean Lovers Festival is hosting a series of free inspirational talks. Topics hosted by leading scientists, innovators and adventurers range from looking at how to end plastic pollution in the ocean, saving the grey nurse shark, to sustainable seafoods and self-reef restorations.
Dr Karl discusses the rise of hybrid farming and we meet PhD student Dương Hưng Phát, whose research is looking at combating the fungal infection mycetoma.
We hope you enjoy this edition.
The Science Alliance Team | Faculty of Science
The University of Sydney
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National Science Week
National Science Week is an annual celebration of science and technology. Running from 10–18 August, the week aims to encourage an interest in science in the wider community and encourage students to learn about the fascinating world we live in.
This year the theme is 'Species Survival – More Than Just Sustainability'. Students will have an amazing variety of topics to investigate and be able to dive into issues of particular interest to them, via in-person and online events, virtual tours, DIY science and more.
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Sleek Geeks short film competition – great prizes to win!
The Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize is a competition designed for students who have a passion for multimedia and film making. The competition is open to both primary and high school students who can communicate a scientific concept in under two minutes, in an accessible, creative and engaging way. This year the theme is ‘Energy’.
This film competition encourages students to communicate a scientific concept in a way that is interesting and entertaining to the public while increasing their science knowledge or, as Dr Karl and Adam Spencer like to say, "Learn something without even noticing." The competition and prizes are intended to support budding young scientists across the nation, who are destined to be our future leaders in research, discovery and communication.
There are some great prizes to win for both individuals and for schools. Find out more and apply.
Not sure where or how to start making a film? Don't worry, we've produced a short how-to video explaining the five basic stages of film making.
Entries close 12 April, 7pm AEST.
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Five ways to reduce your carbon footprint
Carbon footprint is a term used to describe the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions caused by individuals, organisations and/or products. Those gases get trapped in our atmosphere and release heat, which contributes to climate change.
There are many ways to reduce your everyday footprint, but here are five:
- Avoid buying mass-market, throw-away fashion.
- Consider reducing your red meat and dairy consumption.
- Refuse single-use plastic items like bags and straws.
- Reduce and rethink your transportation. Walk or ride your bike to school/work.
- Switch to green energy and use energy-efficient light globes wherever possible.
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New hybrid agriculture model could bring global food and energy benefits
Combining traditional agricultural farming land with renewable energy technologies could yield multiple benefits, but to succeed, these dual-use farms need careful planning. Story by Dr Karl Kruszelnicki
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What made Earth a giant snowball 700 million years ago? Scientists have an answer
Dr Adriana Dutkiewicz was inspired during a field trip to the Flinders Ranges to find out how volcanic activity turned our blue dot to an ice-covered planet. Together with Professor Dietmar Müller and the EarthByte group, they've produced an answer.
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Open the door to a dynamic career in veterinary medicine
From treating cattle to researching animal disease, no two veterinary science jobs are the same. Hear from three of our recent graduates about how studying veterinary medicine at the University of Sydney has shaped their careers.
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Meet Hưng, one of our science PhD students
We're proud to introduce Dương Hưng Phát, who is a PhD student doing important research in Medicinal Chemistry and Chemistry Education. We spoke to Hung about his research projects.
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 | International Day of Maths Pi Day
- Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 March, 4:00pm–6:00pm both days
- Law Annex Seminar Room 342, New Law Building (off Eastern Avenue, main entrance), The University of Sydney
The Sydney Mathematical Research Institute is organising three exciting events to celebrate Pi Day.
Throughout history, geometry has pushed boundaries of abstract and philosophical thought, facilitated scientific discoveries, and left an imprint on the art world.
Students considering higher-level mathematics study are highly encouraged to attend.
| |  | Hendra and beyond: using predictive modelling to prevent future viral emergencies
- Tuesday 26 March, 6:00pm–8:00pm
- Charles Perkins Centre Auditorium (D17), John Hopkins Drive (off Missenden Road), The University of Sydney
Join veterinarian and wildlife disease ecologist Dr Alison Peel as she explores the dynamics of viral spillovers from bats, focusing on the Hendra virus in Australian flying foxes, and how this research could help prevent future viral emergencies.
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 | Studying science at Sydney
- Wednesday 13 March, 4:00pm–4:30pm
- Webinar
Are you an aspiring scientist keen to explore your tertiary study options? From astrophysics to wildlife conservation and medicinal chemistry, to the history and philosophy of science, a degree in science could lead to a diverse and rewarding career anywhere and everywhere.
Join our academic experts to learn about studying science in the vibrant scientific community at the University of Sydney. This session will cover the wide range of science major options, advanced study options, flexible and specialist degree pathways, research opportunities, industry engagement and exciting student life.
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| Resources for high school students and teachers
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 | Unearthing Science: Years 9–11
- For rural and regional NSW schools
- Free
Energise the budding scientist inside your students by joining in this all-materials-included, in-school STEM program aimed at guiding them through their own eco-science investigation!
From science kits to method-designing advice to visits from our friendly science researchers, everything is included in this Unearthing Science package. Call or email our team to see how you can run this program in your school with us.
| |  | Camden Show at Camden Showground
- All school ages and general public
- 15–16 March
Come and experience a great day out at the Camden Show, celebrating agricultural excellence in horticulture, commerce and industry.
Families, schools and the general public are welcome to enjoy pet shows, scarecrow competitions, horse judging, rides and more! Stop by the University of Sydney tent to see the cow-weighing machine, see some soil-health demonstrations and have a chat to our dairy, cattle, poultry and plant scientists!
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 | Volvo Ocean Lovers Festival
- High school and general public
- 21 March–24 March
Splish splash at Bondi with us! On the 21st March, high schools are invited to hear about marine science careers, including six University of Sydney speakers, such as Associate Professor Rachael Gray talking about her work curing seal pups of deadly parasites around Australia. We will also have VR 3D coral simulations, a tidal wave tank model and coral from One Tree Island in the Great Barrier Reef.
Everyone is welcome to join us on the public festival weekend to hear talks from our marine specialists: from shark attacks to saving the reefs to Indigenous marine conservation and more!
| |  | Agriculture Science at the Royal Easter Show
- All school ages and general public
- 22 March–2 April
As well as watching live milking, tasting different types of honey and learning about bush tucker, schools can come and visit our University of Sydney stall at the Woolworths Ag Discovery pavilion.
We will be showcasing our best agricultural scientists specialising in digital agriculture, cutting-edge crop breeding, animal welfare and much more. Plus you can get your hands dirty with our soil-painting activity and get your own carrot seeds to take home!
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 | Apply for Premier's Teacher Scholarship
- NSW teachers
- Applications due 3 May
Are you a maths teacher looking to enhance your career?
The NSW Premier's Teacher Scholarships provide $10,000 or $15,000 for a five-week study tour within Australia or abroad.
The scholarships, funded by corporate supporters and private foundations, are open to permanent and temporary teachers in NSW government and non-government schools, on TAFE NSW campuses and across early-childhood centres.
Scholarships are awarded in the year prior to the study tour. The University of Sydney is a proud sponsor of the mathematics scholarship and encourage keen mathematics teachers to apply.
| |  | Narrabri: Kickstart on the Raod
- Year 12 students
- 8 May–9 May
This free program blends our HSC syllabus-aligned Kickstart workshops in Biology, Chemistry and Physics with a range of unique hands-on experiences.
Enjoy a BBQ lunch and choose from a selection of activities including a bush tucker tour, learn about native grains, drone demonstrations and much more!
Don't let your students miss this chance to dive into science at our University of Sydney Narrabri Campus.
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In case you missed it...
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