Scitech
Perth, Australia
World Biotech Tour 2016
Recruitment
Scitech selected the ambassadors as graduates of a gifted and talented program run by the center, and a schools science, maths and technology enrichment program. The ambassador recruitment was conducted first; thus the science centre was able to find out what the students were interested in learning more about and recruit mentors from their requested topics.
Photos by Scitech
Training and Exchanges
Local universities and industry contacts were eager to advertise the mentor program. The ambassadors and mentors worked for 5 months to complete their relevant research or lab work, a poster, and had practiced and prepared adequately for their booth at the Perth Science Festival and final oral presentation.
Photo by Scitech
During this time, ASTC hosted several online exchanges between the ambassadors so that the students from different countries could meet and learn from each other. Exchanges included science communication exercises, Q&A, and updates on the WBT events and activities occurring at each site. Due to the late time zone difference, the Australian ambassadors' families were also able to observe the exchanges.
Photos by Scitech
Festival
Scitech hosted the WBT festival for 9 days at the science centre and at the Perth Science Festival. The first weekend, Scitech showcased the Lab-in-a-box activities ambassador presentations inside the World Biotech Tour marquee tent. Also showcased were activities from other biotechnology researchers, including a virtual reality journey through a plant cell and biorobotics. festival was officially opened with the exchange of the WBT trophy. Each science centre displayed the WBT trophy while they hosted the WBT festival.
Photos by ASTC and Scitech
The festival at Scitech opened with a ceremony in the planetarium for special guests, the ambassadors' schools, and press and media. Speakers included Scitech CEO Alan Brien, Association of Science-Technology Centers Board Member Dr. Tit Meng Lim, Biogen Australian and New Zealand Managing Director Joerg Hermans, and Scitech Board Member and Harry Perkins Institute Associate Professor Kristen Nowak. The youth ambassadors also had a moment to speak and share their thoughts on being a part of the World Biotech Tour and recognized their mentors in the audience. The Opening Ceremony culminated in the WBT Trophy being presented to Scitech.
Photos by ASTC and Scitech
Throughout the week, students and families were able to have biotech-themed days at the science centre. Researchers from Western Australia as well as Biogen employees from Sydney showcased hands on activities. Many of them also gave presentations on their path into STEM careers. Visitors had access to the Lab-in-a-box activities, a biotech scavenger hunt, biotech lectures by special guests, such as Biohacker Ellen Jorgensen, and workshops on the amazing properties of honey.
Photos by ASTC and Scitech
The final weekend of the festival was dedicated to families with kid-friendly biotech activities, more scientist presentations and hands on activities, and a workshop on how to make cake in a cup!
Photos by Cam Campbell and Scitech
Additional
The student ambassadors continue to research and communicate biotechnology to their communities. Some worked in laboratories while researching their topics and others are participating in the work experience program or volunteer program at the science centre.
Photos by @plantenergybiology and Scitech
SCWS2017 Ambassador
The student ambassadors presented their biotech topics at the science centre in front of a panel of judges, family members, and 110 fellow high school students. Speaking for 10 minutes each, the ambassadors gave engaging talks using graphics, animations, and props to communicate their complex biotech topics.
Photos by Scitech
WBT ambassador, Shiya Huang, was selected for her clear vision, understanding of the subject and ability to describe her project in easily understood terms. Shiya's project focused on 'The structure-function correlation of the human retina in health and disease'. Working alongside her mentor, Danuta Bukowska, an early career research fellow based in the Lions Eye Institute in Perth, Shiya investigated the correlation between retinal structure and function in the human eye, in relation to two diseases (scotoma and distortion) which are the first symptoms of macular disease, one of the most common cause of irreversible blindness in Australia.
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Photo by Scitech
Shiya will represent Scitech at the 2017 Science Centre World Summit and will join 11 other ambassadors in presenting biotech activities and topics during the world summit in Tokyo, Japan.
Photo by Scitech
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