Chief Scientist for Australia, Professor Penny D Sackett today hosted a Q&A session with Australia’s first female Nobel Laureate, Professor Elizabeth Blackburn and local Canberra Year 12 Students.

• 16 February 2010

“Today’s event was aimed at inspiring more young Australians to take an interest in science and mathematics.  And I certainly hope that Professor Blackburn’s achievements will act as a catalyst for young Australians to embark on a fun and fulfilling journey in science,” Professor Sackett said. 

Local Canberra students in the audience had the privilege to ask questions of both Professor Sackett and Professor Blackburn.  Recent students of the National Youth Science Forum had also sent in questions from across Australia to be asked by those in the audience.

“Both Professor Blackburn and I were asked some brilliant questions.  Many were around what inspired us as individuals to study science and what advice we can give for students, young women and young men, looking to pursue a career in science.

“The students had really done their research.  Professor Blackburn received some very complex genetics questions and I even received some on dark matter, one of my own areas of research.

“I would like to thank the National Youth Science Forum, the ACT Government and the John Curtin School of Medical Research for working with my Office in putting together this inspiring event,” Professor Sackett said.

Audio and video footage of today’s Q&A event will be available on the website shortly.

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Media Contact: Rebecca Richter, Office of the Chief Scientist, 0410 029 407