Detonation Range

“[A]ppreciation of Science is fundamental to the culture of each citizen…” – RiAus

This evening I attended a free talk hosted by the Royal Institution of Australia, entitled ‘Science Fiction to Science Fact’, the talk was given by two excellent speakers: Fred Watson, who managed to convey with humour and jubilation his passion for Astronomy and Sean Williams, my personal favourite (and deservedly so) Science Fiction author and an Adelaide resident. The talk was fantastic; enjoyable and interesting throughout. I left the venue feeling as though I had learned things and, perhaps more importantly, that the seeds of future interests had been planted.

The RiAus have another talk scheduled later this year, featuring Simon Singh, Particle Physicist and none other than the co-author of Trick Or Treatment. He will be speaking regarding risk, probability and gambling and I encourage anybody near Adelaide to attend. The event is absolutely free.

So, a little information on the RiAus, from their website:

Officially launched by HRH the Duke of Kent in October 2007 and due to open in October 2009, the Royal Institution of Australia (RiAus) will be the first international “satellite” of the world-renowned Royal Institution of Great Britain (RiGB), the flagship of science communication in the UK for over 200 years.

Housed in the iconic heritage-listed former Adelaide Stock Exchange building, the RiAus will be a dynamic, contemporary and accessible national home for science. A place for people to listen, talk and think about science in all its shapes and forms.

…Exchanging ideas and inspiration, the RiAus will be a dynamic international hub where people can listen, talk and think about science.

Delivering a vibrant program of creative and accessible science events, it will have something for everyone, including you!

The Royal Institution brings Science to the People.

The RiAus will bring the findings of Science to Society and foster informed debate in the issues raised by Science and Technology in the broad. The Institution is committed to the principle that appreciation of Science is fundamental to the culture of each citizen, taking its place together with Art, Music, Theatre and an understanding of civic responsibility.

Many Young Australian Skeptics will, naturally, be aware of the Royal Institution of Great Britain.

The aim of RiAus, to promote the public understanding of Science, is a truly noble and worthwhile one. For example, a brief but interesting segment about spirituality in tonight’s talk expressed the wonderment that scientists can feel when exploring their disciplines. As Fred remarked (paraphrased) the whimsy of Science lies in the questions we ask and the discoveries we make. I couldn’t help noting that Fred also acknowledged the fact that most Astronomers are non-theistic and, at least speaking for himself, look to the sheer size and scope of what knowledge we can gain for their daily dose of Mystery. As Sean added, it would be wrong to look into the universe as cold, emotionless robots, but a love of Science would never demand we do so!

I encourage anyone interested (and able) to attend the events that RiAus have planned. In addition, their website details some of their plans for promoting the public understanding of Science:

Building on the inspirational tradition of science events for young people at the RiGB in London, the RiAus will run a broad variety of schools activities throughout the year, both in-house and as part of an extensive outreach program.

Covering a range of topics for all ages, from primary through to year 12, the RiAus program for young people will be a brilliant opportunity for pupils to experience the wonderful world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Read more…

I think it goes without saying that the more Science Education which is available to the public, and to young people especially, the less that industries like Alt-Meds, ‘Magic’ and other similar ideologies will be able to get away with purloining scientific terms to lend their ridiculous claims credibility. The real thing is so much more amazing and captivating and, in my opinion, it is truly wonderful to see an organization dedicated to making Science accessible to the public.