On Friday, 12 August Professor Ian Chubb launched a week-long festival to celebrate science across Australia.

• 15 August 2011

National Science Week will run from August 13 to 21 with more than 1000 events scheduled throughout the nation – from forensic science workshops using 3D facial reconstruction to taste-tests examining the biochemistry of chocolate.

Professor Chubb was delighted to be launching his first National Science Week since being appointed Australia’s Chief Scientist in April.

“National Science Week brings science to around 1.6 million Australians through events that give them a better understanding and respect for the great benefits that science offers to us in our everyday lives,” Professor Chubb said. “This is an exciting and excellent national platform to advocate for Australian science.”

The launch drew more than one prominent Australian scientist to the scene – Professor Ian Frazer, 2006 Australian of the Year and creator of the cervical cancer vaccine, and Professor Jenny Martin, Australian Research Council Laureate, were also in attendance.

As the two respected researchers battled it out in a science quiz, assisted by students from four local high schools, the Chief Scientist admired the enthusiasm generated by National Science Week.

“It really is an event where everyone, regardless of age, is excited to learn about science and get involved,” Professor Chubb said.

“National Science Week demonstrates that science is all around us – in the sports we love, the food we eat, the cars we drive and the houses we live in,” he said.

“It is a pleasure to be involved, and the Inspiring Australia team have outdone themselves with this year’s schedule.”

Professor Chubb also gave a speech at the National Science Week celebratory lunch hosted by Inspiring Australia. In his speech he detailed the importance of science in our nation and why we must never take it for granted. To read Professor Chubb’s speech click here.

To find out more about events happening near you, visit www.scienceweek.gov.au