Science explored and celebrated

On the final day of Science Week, an expert panel discussed the work being undertaken in our state to care for rare animals and plants.

The panel included Dr Joanna Sumner, Manager Genetic Resources from Museums Victoria; John Arnott, Manager of Horticulture and Dr Megan Hirst, Post-Doctoral Fellow from the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria; and Darren Grover, General Manager Threatened Species and Dr Marissa Parrott, Reproductive Biologist from Zoos Victoria; with compere Bill Bainbridge, Parliament's Communications Adviser.

Streamed live on Parliament’s Facebook page and website, the forum was presented in partnership with the Royal Society of Victoria and Victorian Parliamentarians for STEM.

Over the past few years, the Victorian Parliament has been working with the RSV to highlight the important work being done by Victorian scientists and other experts for the betterment of our state, including through citizen science projects.

For Science Week, RSV President Rob Gell recorded an interview about the society’s ongoing work and its partnership with parliament. The interview is available to view on YouTube.

Earlier in the week, Parliament House also hosted the launch of the 15th BrainSTEM Innovation Challenge, a STEM mentoring program for students in Years 9-10.

Students, teachers and mentors gathered together in Queen’s Hall to hear from BrainSTEM Founder Sid Verma, Co-Chair of Victorian Parliamentarians for STEM Dr Tien Kieu MP, and Dr Catherine De Burgh-Day from the Bureau of Meteorology who all gave encouragement to the participants as they embarked on the 12-week challenge. View a highlights video from the launch on YouTube.