Celebrating science, innovation

Throughout National Science week, the Murray and Mallee Regional Science Hub will be hosting a range of exciting events for schools and the general public.

SA Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Community Engagement team leader Pippa Cattanach said it was a great opportunity to meet scientists, discuss the hot topics, and celebrate science and innovation within the local community.

“Local activities include citizen science opportunities, talks and presentations, drone demonstrations and community networking events,” she said.

“On August 18 in Renmark, there will be public talks on the latest advances in automation of agriculture using robots and the use of quadcopter drone operation for filming and photography.

“At the other end of the science continuum, there will also be an opportunity to learn about frogs in your local area and how to get involved in frog surveys using the new FrogSpotter mobile app.”

During National Science Week, the Murray and Mallee Regional Science Hub will host two ‘Change Exchange’ events for local citizen scientists, or community members interested in learning about citizen science in their local environment.

SAMDB Natural Resources Community Monitoring project officer Sylvia Clarke invites everyone to come along to get the latest updates on projects, hear guest speakers and share stories from their year of monitoring their local patch.

“We will also be announcing the Natural Resources SAMDB Citizen Science Awards for Outstanding Achievement,” she said.

The Change Exchanges will be held on Monday, August 15, in Mount Barker from 3.30-7pm and in Renmark on Thursday, August 18 from 3.30-7pm.

The Murray and Mallee Regional Science Hub is funded by Inspiring SA, part of a national strategy to strengthen our society’s engagement with the sciences and improve science literacy.