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Science hits Brisbane streets for World Science Festival

Minister for Science and the Arts Leeanne Enoch today joined World Science Festival co-founder and renowned physicist Professor Brian Greene to celebrate the start of an explosive weekend of science in Brisbane with turtles, robotics, star gazing and new insights into spirituality and the brain.

“The World Science Festival Brisbane is in full swing and I’m pleased to hear many events are sold out or selling quickly,” Minister Enoch said.

“Over the past few weeks there have been massive crowds for the World Science Festival’s regional components in Gladstone, Toowoomba, Chinchilla and Ipswich.

“This highlights that Queenslanders are truly connecting to science and are keen to unlock its mysteries and understand the latest scientific advancements shaping our world.

“What makes this week even more exciting is that we announced that the Palaszczuk Government had secured this wonderful festival exclusively for Queensland for another three years, until 2021.

“This Festival has had its home in the USA for 11 years and the Palaszczuk Government secured this wonderful event for three years, from 2016 to 2018.

“And now we have secured it for another three years, which is a testament to the event’s increasing popularity and its role in highlighting Queensland scientists and their astonishing achievements.

“It is also great news for Queensland economy. Last year’s festival attracted more than 180,000 visitors, including from overseas, and brought in $7 million in direct and incremental spending in Queensland.”

Ms Enoch said one of this year’s signature events was a talk from Professor Brian Greene tomorrow (Saturday, March 24) titled The Believing Brain: Neuroscience and the Spiritual Instinct which explores spiritual mysteries beyond our grasp and the connection between science and religion.

Professor Greene, who is World Science Festival Co-founder and Physicist, said the Festival aimed to fundamentally change how we engage with science.

“Given the accelerated pace of scientific discovery and technological innovation, and its increasing impacts on every aspect of our lives, it is imperative that scientists share their work and their passion with the public,” Professor Greene said.

“The Festival allows kids and adults alike to be informed by science, inspired by its wonder, convinced of its value and prepared to engage with its implications for the future.”

Hosted by Queensland Museum, the festival presents more than 100 events and performances featuring some of the biggest names in science alongside a stellar line-up of home-grown talent.

Across the five days of the festival, the key focus is on ‘humanity’ as scientists from across the globe delve into what makes us human, how humanity has advanced and how science is working to ensure we live better for longer.

Visit www.worldsciencefestival.com.au to find out more information.