Australia’s declining biodiversity is in crisis, with many species at risk of extinction. But whether we’re talking about people, flora and fauna, or entire ecosystems, one thing holds true: we’re stronger together. For National Science Week, scientists from three Inspiring Victoria partner organisations shared their work to ensure that Australian species will Survive and Thrive.
The Royal Society of Victoria and Inspiring Victoria are delighted to congratulate the eight Victorian recipients of major grants in support of events for National Science Week in August 2024! Many of this year’s projects support diversity and inclusion in science, allocating grant funding from $2,000 to $20,000 for individuals, groups and organisations across the nation.
Because gender stereotypes have portrayed certain STEMM fields as masculine, leading to fewer women studying and working in STEMM, these fields tend to sustain exclusionary, male-dominated cultures that are not supportive of or attractive to women and other underrepresented groups. It is a perpetual cycle that we need to break.
It might sound daunting to talk to kids about new and complicated technology, but learning is a beautiful and rich experience at any age, and there are plenty of great tools to help you do it either for yourself, or for any little ones you have around you. And it’s important – AI isn’t going away, and by educating young people, we can make sure these new technologies are used appropriately in the future.
From tiny bacteria to giant blue whales, the chemical reactions going on inside all living things – including us – that keep them alive cannot happen without water. By taking NASA’s lead and following the water, scientists can pinpoint the most compelling locations where life – either past or present – might possibly exist in the vast expanse of the solar system beyond our home planet.
