As part of the global celebration of the International Year of Chemistry in 2011, Curtin University will host Chemfest this Saturday, 12 November.
Featuring a lecture by world-renowned polymer scientist, Dame Julia Higgins, the free event will run between 2pm – 7pm at the Curtin Stadium and will include entertaining and engaging shows, demonstrations and interactive activities.
Professor Higgins said she looked forward to presenting her lecture on polymer science as a way to increase public appreciation of the wonder of chemistry and its role in everyday life.
“Synthetic polymers are all around us and used in everyday items, including packaging, clothing, and transport. Some of their chemical names have become household terms, such as polythene and polystyrene,” Professor Higgins said.
“They are almost everywhere, yet we rarely ask what is so special about them. My lecture will focus on this. ”
Curtin Science Outreach Coordinator, Emma Donnelly, said Chemfest would also provide an opportunity for current and future students to explore their options in chemistry related fields.
“Chemistry is vital to our modern day life. Chemical reactions are behind the production of food, medicines, fuel, and countless manufactured and extracted products,” Ms Donnelly said.
“Chemistry research and development will help to meet the global challenges of clean air, safe water, healthy food, dependable medicine, advanced materials, eco-friendly products and sustainable energy.
“There is an exciting future for students who study chemistry to contribute to the solution of these global challenges”
Ms Donnelly said Chemfest was a special opportunity to invite the Perth community to celebrate the International Year of Chemistry in 2011.
“This is a worldwide celebration highlighting the achievements of chemistry and its contributions to the well-being of humankind,” she said.
For further information about Chemfest, please visit: http://particle.scitech.org.au/
Contacts:
Emma Donnelly, Science Outreach Coordinator, Curtin University
Tel: 08 9266 1021, Email: e.donnelly@curtin.edu.au
Andrea Barnard, Public Relations, Curtin University
Tel: 08 9266 4241, Mob: 0401 103 755, Email: andrea.barnard@curtin.edu.au
