The wonderful world of science is in the spotlight this week as QIMR Berghofer participates in the 2019 World Science Festival Brisbane.
Thought-provoking discussions, practical experiments in the laboratory and hands-on activities are ensuring there is something for everyone at this celebration of science.
QIMR Berghofer’s Director and CEO Professor Frank Gannon said he was delighted the Institute was once again involved in such an important community event.
“Science has the potential to change lives, and the more we can explain and help the public understand the impact that science – and particularly medical research – has on our world, the more opportunities we have to inspire the next generation of scientists,” Professor Gannon said.
“Visitors to this year’s festival have the opportunity to hear from our world-leading cancer researchers, talk with our scientists about the latest medical research, and participate in hands-on experiments and activities that bring science to life.”
QIMR Berghofer staff will be at the Street Science! precinct at South Bank this weekend (23-24 March). Microscope displays will provide a close-up look at the tiny worlds within us and at what cancer and other diseases look like up close.
Children will be able to see the effects of sunlight, specifically the ultra violet (UV) rays that cause deadly melanomas and other skin cancers, and take home a UV bead bracelet.
Professor Gannon said the Immunologist’s Apprentice programs held at the Institute this week were giving members of the public the opportunity to conduct hands-on experiments inside a purpose-built laboratory.
“Apprentices have the chance to learn the techniques used to study the body’s immune responses to invaders like Ross River virus,” he said.
QIMR Berghhofer’s commitment to taking science to the regions has also been demonstrated with staff taking part in World Science Festival events in Townsville, Gladstone, Chinchilla and Toowoomba.
“As the state’s leading medical research institute, we are proud to be sharing the message about the important role science plays in improving the lives of everyday Queenslanders,” Professor Gannon said.
