Quantum and dark matter scientists win road trip funding

The National Quantum & Dark Matter Road Trip will set off to visit Australian schools and communities between 6 and 26 August.

The Federal Government announced a National Science Week Grant to help fund the road trip after the success of last year’s event.

The road trip is organised by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics (CDM) and ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS).

It aims to spread the word about the cutting-edge research being done by Australian scientists to schools and communities across rural, regional and metropolitan areas.

Special events including pub quizzes and public lectures will also be held at capital cities and regional centres throughout the road trip.

Road trip organiser and physicist Dr Ben McAllister, from CDM, EQUS, Swinburne Institute of Technology and the University of Western Australia said the road trip brought cutting edge science to regional and remote schools and communities.

“We’re looking forward to bringing quantum and dark matter science to school students who might not usually be exposed to these opportunities,” Dr McAllister.

“We want to show them how exciting and engaging science can be, and hopefully inspire them to consider pursuing a career in science.”

The event is part of a range of activities happening across Australia during National Science Week.

Recipients of the Australian Government’s National Science Week funding were announced today.

The grants aim to inspire wide community participation in STEM, provide an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of Australian scientists to the world of knowledge, encourage an interest in science pursuits among the general public and encourage younger people to become fascinated by the world we live in.

More information about the road trip is available at https://www.qdmroadtrip.org.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY: Event organiser and dark matter scientist Ben McAllister is available for interview.

Contact Fleur Morrison on 0421 118 233 or email fleur.morrison@unimelb.edu.au to arrange an interview or photo opportunity.