University of Tasmania, Australia

Ninth International Student Science Conference

Groups of students from seven different countries recently visited Tasmania to present their own research work and to see what science Tassie has to offer.

The visit was part of the Ninth International Student Science Conference, hosted by The Hutchins School. The Conference aims not only to increase students' understanding of science, but also to give a global perspective to the scientific challenges that lie before us.

The first day of the conference was spent at UTAS, with students visiting a number of schools in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology (SET). The students were welcomed by Dean of SET Professor Margaret Britz, before spreading far and wide to take part in science workshops.

Honours student Jeremy Just and PhD student James Howard hosted a keen group of young scientists in the School of Chemistry with tour of the research laboratories, a peek at an NMR machine, and then a laboratory experiment in which students coated glassware in shiny silver mirrors.

After sending a gummy bear to his doom in a spectacularly fiery demonstration, it was time for lunch. Further up the hill in Zoology, students were getting their hands onto some animal skulls and learning how to differentiate between species with Dr Ashley Edwards. Many of the students at the conference had only landed in Australia a day earlier but did a great job identifying some of our local animals.

Dr Chris Watson gave a fascinating talk to the group about Spatial Sciences, covering everything from Antarctic mosses to satellites and many things in between. The topic inspired some thoughtful questions and fuelled many conversations throughout the afternoon. Over in Plant Science students prepared honey samples for investigation with Dr Mark Hovenden and Leesa Borojevic.

Workshops in Agricultural Science with Kelly Spence, Earth Sciences with Dr Michael Roach, and an Engineering activity with Lauren and Sophyia, topped off a whirlwind tour of SET.

All students left the campus with a smile, with many already keen to find out more about some of the University's world-leading research areas.