The Flying Scientists program is provided in partnership with the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist (OQCS). The Flying Scientists are early-mid career researchers who accompany Young Science Ambassadors into regional Queensland centres for community Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) awareness events. The program has been developed to address the shortage of science-related events convened outside South East Queensland — see the survey reports commissioned by OQCS which highlight this here: Queenslanders’ perceptions of science | Office of Queensland Chief Scientist.

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Our Queensland Chief Scientist

The Queensland Chief Scientist is a whole-of-government position that sits within the Department of Environment and Science. They provide high-level strategic advice to the state government on the role of science, research and innovation to meet Queensland’s challenges.

The Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist has three key responsibilities:

• to lead science strategy across government

• to increase engagement and participation of the Queensland community in science-based activities

• to promote Queensland science.

As an ambassador for Queensland science, the Chief Scientist fosters cooperation and collaboration amongst the government, research, industry and community sectors; raising Queensland's profile as a smart region characterised by world class research and investment opportunities; and engaging the community in better understanding the importance of science, research and innovation in the state's future economic, social and environmental wellbeing.

Bugs, Bacteria and Coral in Longreach

In June 2022, Flying Scientist Dr Alka Jaggesar (QUT) travelled to Longreach where her intricate research using nanomaterial to fend off bugs was highlighted at a community event at Edgely Hall in Longreach. She was accompanied by CoralWatch researcher and YSA Abigail Shaughnessy (UQ) who brought the Great Barrier Reef to Western QLD with her hands on models and enthusiasm for reef health. An experienced YSA, Matthew Kenna (UQ) demonstrated his research into fear memory regulation in the brain. In addition, we collaborated with a local scientist, Ben Galea, the project officer at Dessert Channels QLD. Ben attended the event and had an interactive table set up with his citizen science project into river biodiversity. We were delighted to engage with the local community about the exciting research thats done in QLD.

The Flying Scientist team went on to visit St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Barcaldine, Barcaldine Prep-12 School and Longreach State High School, where they worked with 16 classes and 267 Prep to Year 10 students doing hands on STEM activities. The students rotated through workstations where they explored reef health, brain structure and memory and the relationship between detergents and viruses. Cameron Moir a science teacher at Longreach State High School had this to say about their visit “I just wanted to say how engaged the students were with this workshop. The interactions and activities allowed the students to explore and understand some of the different fields. I would most definitely recommend this activity again.” 

A special thank you to members of the Remote Area Planning and Development board (RAPAD) and the Longreach regional council for assistance in promotion. We cant wait to go back to Longreach!

Flying Scientists soar through Central Queensland

In April 2022, Flying Scientist and Wonder of Science Patron Professor Ian Frazer from The University of Queensland demonstrated his passion for STEM over a four-day roadshow through Central Queensland (26 - 29 April). Professor Frazer visited Gladstone, Biloela, Springsure and Emerald with the company of his wife Mrs. Caroline Frazer, Young Science Ambassador Dr. Soi Law and our new program officer Dr. Sachini Fonseka. Professor Frazer and his research was further showcased in our community event at Central Queensland University in Gladstone. On a rainy evening, we had close conversations with members of the community about skin microbiomes and their relationship to our health. We were delighted to have Dr. Jason Steel (CQU) in attendance who made up the Q & A panel alongside Dr. Soi Law and Professor Frazer. The audience had plenty to ask Dr. Jason on his topical research into using viral technology for disease treatment.

Over a jam-packed four days they engaged with 500 curious students through hands-on activities across 5 schools: Toolooa State High School, Gladstone State High School, Biloela State High School, Springsure State School and Marist College Emerald. Students led investigations into areas such as anti-viral strategies, DNA extraction and infectious diseases. There was something for everyone with students ranging from year 5 to year 12. Professor Frazer spoke about his current cutting-edge research, presenting data published only days ago, on skin cancer and the bugs that live on our skin.

Finally, Professor Frazer met with members of the Emerald Medical Group over breakfast to discuss the challenges in regional medical practice and the need for regional-metropolitan collaboration in research. We are thankful to have Professor Frazer inspiring the next generation of QLD Scientists.

 At Gladstone State High School and Toolooa State High School, the Wonder of Science team was also accompanied by researchers from Mater Research:  Jay Gunawardana and Joshua Tobin.

Thank you to everyone who was involved in making this trip a success!

Sparklab with Capalaba State School — Queensland Museum

Flying Scientists Dr Anthony Romilio (The University of Queensland), Associate Professor Divya Mehta (Queensland University of Technology), and the Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Hugh Possingham (virtual), engaged with Capalaba State School Students at the Queensland Museum. Together they explored Dinosaurs and DNA, as well as learning about Citizen Science and how to become involved in projects. The students and their teachers had fun engaging with the scientists, dino nuggets and DNA spit kits!

Flying Scientists at Wonder of Science Regional and State Conferences

Flying Scientists engaged with students and teachers at 2021 Wonder of Science Regional and State Conferences. Professor Justin Marshall and his team of Coral Watch-ers extraordinaire (including Diana Kleine, Karen Johnson, Sophie Kalkowski-Pope, Abigail Shaughnessy) joined us at the Kimberly Park Regional Conference, the UQ Regional Conference and the WoS State Conference! Flying Scientists Dr Mariel Familiar Lopez and Dr Alice Twomey perfected their ‘pitch’ by running workshops for students at the WoS State Conference — by showcasing their research on frogs, sharks and mangroves — while Dr Anthony Romilio, A/Prof Daryl McPhee, Professor Ian Frazer, Dr Maria Halili, Dr Charith Rathnayaka and Diana Kleine voluntereed to be part of the ‘Speed Meet a Scientist’ sessions.

Livestock, Land and Water — a ‘Yarning Science’ circle in Duaringa

Queensland Chief Scientist, Professor Hugh Possingham was again present in a virtual format, explaining his role and how students and teachers may become involved in citizen science projects. Dr Grace Muriuki (Healthy Land and Water) and Dr Cara Wilson (CQUni) featured in ‘Livestock, Land and Water’ and had deep and respectful discussions with elders, residents, students and local experts in a ‘yarning science’ circle hosted by the Woorabinda Arts and Cultural Centre in Duaringa (Central Queensland). Elder Milton Lawton gave a heartfelt welcome to country and spoke to the topic from his perspective as a traditional owner — Dr Cara Wilson engaged via ‘show and tell’ with some the latest AgTech devices; Dr Grace Muriuki explained how Healthy Land and Water used their report card system and what this might evolve into in the future, and Richard Sporne from Greening Australia discussed their latest projects including erosion prevention. Local graziers joined in the yarning science circle discussing how traditional, tried and true methods, in combination with cutting edge research, are contributing to a sustainable future in agriculture. Drs Cara and Grace were invited by elder Milton Lawton to visit Woorabinda and were given a guided tour and introductions to community by resident and Woorabinda Arts and Cultural Centre Manager, Nickeema Williams. Dr Grace Muriuki also ran workshops at our Wonder of Science Regional Conference in Rockhampton and engaged students in a ‘report card’ workshop, where they role played (ministers, mayors etc) to determine what rating they would give Brisbane in 2021 and what it should look like in 2032, with the aim of delivering a ‘green’ Olympics. The students, once given their name tag and title (i.e., Mayor, Minister) enthusiastically went into their role and gave some insightful responses to the task. Dr Grace recorded their insights with the aim of sharing with her colleagues in Brisbane. WoS Program Officer Dr Anita Milroy flew the Flying Scientist flag in Gladstone with virtual Queensland Chief Scientists, and gave four workshops for students at the Wonder of Science Gladstone Regional Conference — engaging students with fossil fruits and seeds, x-rays, computed tomographies, synchrotron light and citizen science opportunities.

Frogs, Photons, Sharks, Circadian Clocks…in Mount Isa and Cloncurry!

Dr Mariel Familiar Lopez (Griffith University) wowed school students in Mount Isa and Cloncurry, and community members at the Mount Isa Regional Library. Over two days, more than 200 participants learned about Dr Mariel’s research involving frogs and sharks and how to use Citizen Science apps (such as Frog Id) to become involved in science at a local level. Many were very intrigued to know about: how frogs have been used to confirm pregnancy in women; the current frog pandemic and the variety of ways sharks reproduce (eggs, live birth etc). Dr Mariel expected the sharks to ‘steal the show’, however was pleasantly surprised to note more engagement with all things Froggie — how to protect native species, to identify them via their call, and how to build ‘frog hotels’ at their schools. The Mount Isa Library event ‘Frogs, Photons and Circadian Clocks’ was supported by Wonder of Science Ambassador Sachini Fonseka (circadian clocks) and Dr Anita Milroy (photons). Our Queensland Chief Scientist, Professor Hugh Possingham was with us in a virtual mode over the two days and gave a pre-recorded 3-minute presentation on his role and how everyone can become involved in science through a variety of citizen science projects (online and apps).

FLYING SCIENTISTS RESPOND TO BURNING QUESTIONS!

FLYING SCIENTISTS RESPOND TO COVID-19!

In response to the COVID-19 restrictions we are very excited to announce the release of the first ‘Virtual Flying Scientists’ for 2020. In this video: ‘Investigating Viruses’ you will play the immunity game and investigate virus transmission with our microbiologists, Drs Bonnie Quigley and Andreas Kupz.  

You will also hear from three other Flying Scientists who invite you to be part of this year’s National Science Week Flying Scientist presentations. Watch the video below to find out more!

Want to know how to play the immunity game discussed in the video? Download our “Immunity Game” PDF by clicking here.

Flying Scientists Look to the Stars at Charleville Cosmos Centre

This year three Flying Scientists and one Young Science Ambassador visited Charleville Cosmos Centre to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing! Dr Jyotsna Barta (QUT), Dr Erik Streed (Griffith University), Astrophysicist Jake Clarke (USQ) and Young Science Ambassador/Mechanical Engineer Sadegh Imani. The Flying Scientists visited Charleville State School, spoke to Distance Education students about their research and gave talks on their research over the course for the four day event!

We had an absolutely amazing range of research on display. Jake spoke about his research as an astrophysicist, Jyotsna talked about hows space travel might affect DNA, Sadegh discussed the potential future of space elevators and Erik spoke about the world smallest atomic clock and researching at NASA!

Volcano Alert - Flying Scientist talks volcanoes in Cairns!

Flying Scientist and Volcanologist, Dr Teresa Ubide visited Cairns for a community event and school visits in early May. At the community event held at Trinity Bay State High School, Dr Ubide spoke about her volcano research helping scientists to forecast volcanic eruptions. Over 60 people including students, parents, teachers and members of the community were in attendance on the night. Dr Ubide’s talk was followed by a panel which included Young Science Ambassador, Amy Chan (an immunologist) and Wonder of Science Program Officer, Dr Kaylene Butler (a Palaeontologist).

During the day both Dr Butler and Dr Ubide visited over 100 students at Trinity Bay State High School. They facilitated several activities including identification of volcanic rocks and the taxonomy of Australian mammals, as well as discussing their research with Year 12 Marine Science students. While in Cairns Teresa, Kaylene and Amy were also invited to ABC Radio for a live interview!

When asked about the Flying Scientist program, Dr Ubide said:

During the trip, Dr Butler also worked with over 100 Year 6 students at Edge Hill State School and Year 12 Biology students at Innisfail State School, where she discussed her research into fanged kangaroos.

Archaeology at World Science Festival in Gladstone!

On 1 – 2 March, Flying Scientists visited Gladstone for World Science Festival Street Science. With each Flying Scientist event featuring a different type of research, for this event Flying Scientist, Griffith University Archaeologist, Dr Michelle Langley answered the question “When is an archaeologist not an archaeologist?”

Dr Langley and Wonder of Science Program Officer (and palaeontologist) Dr Kaylene Butler set up a stall to teach students about the difference between Archaeology and Palaeontology as well as some of the amazing research happening right here in Queensland. Dr Langley brought along incredible casts of ancient human skulls (such as Homo neanderthalensis and Homo floresiensis) while Dr Butler brought along 3D printed models of her ancient fanged kangaroo skulls. Students and members of the community also had the opportunity to play a game to identify what an archaeologist would study and what a palaeontologist would study in order to win a coveted UQ Science Squishy Toy (see below).

Dr Langley and Dr Butler were kept busy over the course of the two days with hundreds over people walking through the doors of the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre. Hopefully they inspired a few future scientists along the way.

Fossilised fanged kangaroos brought to life in Cloncurry

Dr Kaylene Butler shared her paleontology research with excited teachers, students, parents, and other members of the community when she spoke at Cloncurry State School on the 9th October. The presentation was a great lead-in to the Mount Isa Regional Conference held the following day. The children loved picking over the bits of rock and bones that Kaylene had brought along as a hands-on sorting activity - an example of one of the techniques she used in her fieldwork - and passing around the 3D printed ancient kangaroo skulls she had created to model the differences between the species she discovered and named during her PhD - how cool is that!?

National Science Week - The Funky Doctor inspires sun safety in Longreach

Dr Ken Dutton-Regester (aka The Funky Doctor, @the_funkydr on Twitter) brought his passion for medical research and science communication to Longreach as a panel member for "From Dinosaurs to Drones" - a free event held in regional Queensland for National Science Week. As one of many Flying Scientist events to be held across Queensland this year, we were delighted that this event was aptly held at the Qantas Founders Museum against a backdrop of aeroplanes! Dr Ken spoke to the Longreach community about his work in melanoma research and was joined by panellists Dr Caitlyn Syme (also pictured, below), Dr Monique Grol, Thomas Chandler, and MC Michael Mills. The following day, Dr Ken shared his knowledge with Longreach school students about how sunscreen works and the important role it plays in reducing our risk of developing melanoma. For a quick tip on reducing your skin cancer risk, check out the clip below. To learn more about the fascinating world of melanoma research, check out Dr Ken's video.

Photography: Mr Geoff Crane, Questacon.

Video: Dr Nikki Sims-Chilton, Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist (originally posted to @qldscience).