Outreach
This year the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science reached bigger and broader audiences through collaborating on new activities and returning to some old ones. We engaged politicians to foster a deeper understanding of our research, provided exciting lab tours to school students to spark their interest in STEM, and shared ideas with international outreach delivery organisations. As we delve into some of the other events and programs of this year, we celebrate the Centre's commitment to science communication and education.
Going further this National Science Week
This year, Exciton Science collaborated on more National Science Week events than ever, many of which received government grants.
The Centre once again returned for the 2023 National Science Quiz hosted by comedian Charlie Pickering, where the public and panellists competed to solve scientific problems. Our own Outreach Officer, Joshua Ezackial, served as on-stage lab assistant, providing live demonstrations that highlighted the scientific concepts behind each question.
With Shirty Science, five Centre’s of Excellence joined forces to run The Most Excellent Science Shirt, which saw researchers work with artists to translate complex scientific ideas into artistic apparel. Centre member Eliza Rokhsat collaborated with artist Glen Downey to design "Nanolayers," a shirt that intertwines the rhythmic patterns of deep house music with the intricate geometry of WS2 structures. This fusion of art and science culminated in a live-streamed event, hosted by ABC's Nate Byrne. You can see all entries and purchase your own on the Shirty Science website, with all proceeds supporting the Shirty Science Change Maker program, aimed at enhancing diversity and inclusion in STEM.
This year’s National Science Quiz at The Capitol theatre in Melbourne
Centre member Eliza Rokhsat collaborated with artist Glen Downey to design 'Nanolayers'
Preparing future scientists and science communicators
Our dedication to developing the next generation of scientists saw six of our PhD students participate in a bespoke two-day science communication workshop at Questacon – the National Science and Technology Centre.
This immersive experience, tailored specifically for our Centre's members, offered a unique behind-the-scenes look at the science centre, coupled with intensive workshops focused on effective public engagement and science communication. The training equipped our students with new skills and communication techniques, which they immediately applied when engaging with the public at the end of course.
Further reinforcing our passion for inclusivity in science, the Centre played a pivotal role in running inSTEM 2023. This influential conference provided a platform for networking and career development, specifically catering to individuals from marginalized and underrepresented groups in STEM. The event featured workshops on a range of pertinent topics, from effective networking strategies to navigating professional environments as a neurodiverse individual.
Attendees of the second annual inSTEM conference hosted by RMIT
Centre PhD students putting their science communication skills to the test at Questacon’s QLab
Finding new ways to engage
Our Centre's outreach efforts extended to engaging the younger generation in critical discussions about the future of energy.
Dr. Nick Kirkwood contributed to Science Gallery Melbourne’s Future Energy/Future Schools panel, which inverted traditional panel formats by focusing on the student’s perspectives on renewable energy and sustainability. This unique approach empowered the young attendees to consider practical, sustainable solutions applicable to their schools and communities.
Finally, music and science converged in this year's Live from the Lab, where Associate Professor Girish Lakhwani and Professor Anita Ho-Baillie collaborated with musicians Huck Hastings and Setwun, respectively. These unique partnerships resulted in musical pieces that interpreted their research into cleaner and more affordable energy solutions. The live event not only showcased these musical interpretations but also facilitated discussions about the intersection of music, science, and environmental sustainability, furthering our mission to engage diverse audiences in the importance of scientific research.
Dr Nick Kirkwood introduced students to luminescent solar concentrators at Science Gallery Melbourne’s Future Energy/Future Schools event
Associate Professor Girish Lakhwani and Professor Anita Ho-Baillie both participated in Live from the Lab as part of the N4SN Global Summit
Communications
Exciton Science Summer Tour of UK and Europe