Academy features at Berlin Science Week

A team from the Academy travelled to Germany in early November to participate in Berlin Science Week. Berlin Science Week spanned 130 events, featuring the best in science from across Europe and around the world. The team was also in Germany to participate in and support the Falling Walls Lab and Falling Walls Engage events.

The Academy held an exhibition for two days at the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin (the Museum of Natural History.)

The exhibit featured videos from the Academy's ongoing successful communication strategy, which were played on a large-screen TV to engage visitors to the museum. Copies of the Academy's ten-year plans and Q&A documents were also displayed and visitors were given the chance to sample some Vegemite to take home. The Academy's exhibit was one of 14 set up throughout the museum.

Visitors to the exhibition ranged from Museum Director General Professor Johannes Vogel and colleagues from the European Research Council to members of the public.

The Australian Embassy in Germany hosted a ‘Science in the Pub’ networking event one evening, with more than 40 members of the Berlin science community taking part. Australia's Ambassador to Germany H.E. Ms Lynette Wood introduced the Academy team and each Falling Walls Lab presenter was given the opportunity to explain their science. Professor Hans Bachor also interviewed National Committees Project Manager Dr Hayley Teasdale and Director of Communications and Outreach Paul Richards about their work at the Academy.

On the second day of the Berlin Science Week exhibition, Professor Bachor, Dr Teasdale and Mr Richards gave a presentation to an audience of more than 70 visitors. There was standing room only to hear about the Academy's secret to creating engaging science communication. The team spoke for an hour with a further 30 minutes of questions from the audience.

After a successful exhibition at Berlin Science Week, the Academy team switched focus to Falling Walls Lab where three young Australian scientists presented at the Lab competition with Australian Rhys Pirie winning the competition. Professor Hans Bachor led the team, having helped to establish the Academy's relationship with Falling Walls five years ago. Dr Teasdale presented at Falling Walls last year and was invited back to support and advise the Australian team. Mr Richards was invited to judge entries to Falling Walls Engage as a member of the jury.