September 2022
SCHOOLS PROGRAM: Changing the story, Making a positive difference
The Western Swamp Tortoise, endemic to a small portion of Western Australia, is the most endangered Australian reptile. The effort to bring this species back from the brink of extinction is one that involves a range of strategies including rehabilitation of wetland habitats and the translocation of zoo-bred animals to nature reserves. This is work being done both by scientists and passionate community members and in this session you will hear about how this combined effort is bringing about positive…
Find out more »Quantum Words Perth 2022 program
Click here for the full downloadable program for QWP22.
Find out more »SCHOOLS PROGRAM: Cool Jobs
The future of work is changing rapidly and the potential of STEM careers is expanding. In this session leading science professionals unpack their cool jobs, sharing their inspirations, challenges and achievement in diverse fields of science and science communication. Speakers include biologist and natural history author Danielle Clode, 2019 Western Australia Scientist of the Year Phil Bland and pastoralist David Pollock.
Find out more »SCHOOLS PROGRAM: Young Dark Emu
In Young Dark Emu - A Truer History, Bruce Pascoe uses the accounts of early European explorers, colonists and farmers, to argue for an understanding of Australia prior to the arrival of Europeans as a land of cultivated farming areas, productive fisheries, permanent homes, and thriving villages. Bruce discusses his work with Anthony James.
Find out more »SCHOOLS PROGRAM: Art, Science and Technology
Wolfgang Bylsma is Editor in Chief of Gestalt, Australia's leading independent graphic novel publishing house, and a producer of the award-winning animated series, The Deep. Justin Randall is an illustrator and graphic novelist best known for his award-winning series Changing Ways. In this session Wolf and Justin will share their insights into the ways in which science and technology can inspire creativity and give us new and immersive ways to share stories.
Find out more »MAIN PROGRAM: Why humans make art
Every human society makes pictures, sings songs and tells stories, but why do we do it? Is there an evolutionary imperative to make art? Noongar musicologist Clint Bracknell, evolutionary biologist Rob Brooks and poet Annamaria Weldon talk with festival director Jane McCredie about the meanings and uses of art and what scientists and artists can learn from each other.
Find out more »MAIN PROGRAM: Does the algorithm feel pain?
Science fiction writers have long imagined intelligent robots taking over the world. A Google software engineer caused a storm earlier this year when he claimed one of their programs was displaying sentient behaviour. Physicist Stephen Hawking suggested the development of artificial intelligence posed a profound threat to the future of humanity. Computer scientist Tim French and science fiction aficionado Stefen Brazulaitis discuss the dangers of the algorithm with former WA Chief Scientist Lyn Beazley.
Find out more »FAMILY EVENT: Nyoongar Dreaming Stories
South-west Dreaming Stories have played a critical role in Nyoongar culture, practises, protocols and lifestyles. Author and musician Alton Walley will bring a selection of these stories to life for young readers, conveying powerful messages about respect, sustainability, friendship, family values and equality. This event is free but bookings are recommended.
Find out more »MAIN PROGRAM: On Fire!
It’s a fundamental tool, but also one of our greatest fears. Join former NSW Fire Commissioner Greg Mullins, Indigenous fire expert Oral McGuire and cultural geographer Lesley Head as they talk with Anthony James about our relationship with fire and the challenges we are likely to face as the planet warms.
Find out more »FAMILY EVENT: Stellarphant
Stella wants to be an astronaut. There is only one problem: Stella is an elephant. Every time she applies to Space Command, they come up with a new reason she can’t join. But where there’s a will, there’s a way and Stella is determined to reach for the stars. Join author/illustrator James Foley as he takes young readers on a journey that will prove heroes come in all shapes, sizes and species! This event is free but bookings are recommended.…
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