June 19, 2014

Inspiring the next generation of scientists

High school students from the South Coast of NSW got a taste of life as a scientist at UOW yesterday (18 June) as they toured the world-class research facilities at Innovation Campus.

The event, hosted by UOW’s Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, is part of a national CSIRO initiative that aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and mathematicians and foster relationships between school teachers and researchers. 

Associate Dean (International) of the Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health Associate Professor Marc in het Panhuis, who is also chemical engineer, said the event series, Scientists in Schools, is a fantastic opportunity to encourage bright young minds to follow a career in science.

“Australia needs more young people to take up careers in science and maths. They will be the ones in the future who will find a cure for cancer and help the world deal with climate change.”

During their visit, the Ulladulla High School students were challenged to build and test of a security device based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, which features in swipe cards (to gain access to buildings), in microchips (to help identify pets), and retail security (to stop thieves).

UOW research students Holly Warren and Reece Gately also ran an electrical mystery competition, where students were asked to identify a number of simple electronic devices used in research at UOW.

School Liaison Officer Dr Melissa Thompson and UOW research students Chris Richards (a former Ulladulla high school student) and Cody Wright gave the students a tour of the additive manufacturing facilities at ACES, which included a demonstration of how 3D printing is used in the production of plastic and metal components for biomedical applications.