World Science Festival Brisbane shifts gears with a new virtual program
No matter the weather, science never sleeps. Though the recent floods have made in-person events at the World Science Festival Brisbane unfeasible, the geniuses behind the intellectually stimulating event have managed to move many of its conversations, debates and events online. The festival’s newly announced digital program will allow science lovers to explore topics like quantum mechanics, contemporary cybercrime and the quest for the fountain of youth from the comfort of their own home. If you’re looking to boost your knowledge, read on to see what events might tickle your thinker!
As the inclement weather has caused flooding at the Queensland Museum, Queensland Cultural Centre and South Bank Parklands – not to mention reduced access to public transport – the World Science Festival Brisbane organisational team has made the tough decision to move as much of this year’s program online as possible. While this means in-person events like Curiocity Brisbane and The Hatchery have been postponed or cancelled, there’s still plenty of inspiring and entertaining action to be found in the virtual realm. The fun kicks off tomorrow, Wednesday March 9, with Einstein and the Quantum: Entanglement and Emergence, a live-streamed discussion in which Professor Brian Greene and researchers Leonard Susskind, Ana Alonso-Serrano and Mark Van Raamsdonk will explore how Einstein’s work in developing quantum mechanics could hold the key to understanding quantum threads and spacetime itself. After the screening, Brian Greene will join live from New York to answer questions submitted online.
The tail-end of the week is loaded with similarly enlightening conversations and talks. On Thursday March 10, ABC’s Tegan Taylor will have a timely chat with storm chaser Justin Noonan and Channel 7’s meteorologist Tony Auden about the increase of dangerous weather patterns and natural disasters. On Saturday March 12, prominent Aboriginal, Māori and Pacific scholars will discuss Indigenous scientific knowledge and its millennia-spanning history, as well as colonialism’s role in creating an imbalance between these knowledge systems and western scientific thought. Later in the day, a panel of experts will talk about Australia’s burgeoning space industry, as well as thought-provoking enquiries regarding space governance, traffic, sovereignty and the intricacies involved in sourcing resources from the Moon and Mars. The space theme continues on Sunday March 13, as Griffith University’s Professor Paulo de Souza, Gilmour Space’s CEO Adam Gilmour, Dr Graziella Caprarelli, and Dr Eriita Jones join ABC’s science editor Jonathan Webb to talk about Mars – why governments and corporations are so invested in unearthing the red planet’s secrets, and what might be the implications of the exploration efforts on humanity. In addition to these live-streamed panel discussions, several pre-recorded talks will be available to watch via the World Science Festival Brisbane website from Wednesday March 9, with discussions touching on the scientific quest for the fountain of youth, the ongoing arms race in the world of cybercrime, finding proof of dark matter and dark energy, and insight into coral family trees.
Head to the World Science Festival Brisbane website now to view the digital program and purchase tickets for live-streamed talks of interest.
The Weekend Edition is an official partner of World Science Festival Brisbane.
Image one credit: Greg Kessler
To find out more about what’s on in Brisbane, head to our Event Guide.
