City of Newcastle celebrates National Science Week with free community events

Thousands of budding scientists and future tech experts are expected to pour into Newcastle Museum this Sunday for a hands-on celebration of National Science Week.

The Museum is playing host to the Hunter Science Festival, which last year broke attendance records when more than 4,000 people took part in fun science discovery experiences.

The Festival is delivered by City of Newcastle's Museum, Environment, Waste and Libraries teams in conjunction with Hunter Innovation and Science Hub (HISH) and features additional displays and demonstrations from the University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI).

Visitors will be given the chance to build and race their own solar-powered electric vehicle, hop into the cab of a City of Newcastle waste truck and plant a native pollinator as part of the free STEM-related activities on offer from 10am to 2pm on Sunday, 20 August.

While sessions for HMRI's popular 'Poo Palace' – a giant inflatable digestive system – are already fully booked, there are plenty of other fun, educational experiences for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

The Hunter Science Festival will cap off City of Newcastle's wider National Science Week celebrations, which began at Wallsend Library on Sunday, 13 August with free science shows and a chance to meet real scientists from the University of Newcastle to learn about their research and discover future study and career paths.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle was committed to championing innovation and delivering free, educational opportunities for the community.

"Newcastle Museum and Newcastle Libraries are known for their engaging and innovative program of exhibitions and events, making them the ideal spaces to deliver fun, free activities for the community during National Science Week," Cr Nelmes said.

"Collaborating with partners such as HISH, HMRI and the University of Newcastle to provide opportunities for young people and families to engage in STEM-based activities is an ideal fit with our goal to create a liveable, sustainable, inclusive city that encourages innovation and creativity."

HISH President, Emeritus Professor Tim Roberts said the Hunter Innovation and Science Hub is immensely proud to be presenting the Hunter Science Festival.

“It's an opportunity to ignite passion and curiosity in science and technology among our community's young minds. It’s so important that we are nurturing the future innovators of our region, and we invite everyone to explore and discover the excitement of STEM with us," Mr Roberts said.

City of Newcastle was awarded a grant from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, together with Inspiring Australia, to deliver the Wallsend Library event.

For more information visit www.newcastlemuseum.com.au/what-s-on/current-events/hunter-science-festival