Testimonials
I used to see events being held overseas or interstate and think ‘oh, if only I lived there.’” Now, thanks to the amazing range of events at RiAus, I do live there. Sometimes I see the list of events coming up and have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming. RiAus has brought me all the discoveries and conversations about science I could ever wish for. Right to my front door. And, just this week, one of my lifelong dreams came true. I met an astronaut: Adelaide-born NASA astronaut, Dr Andy Thomas. Amazing.
By Rose Wodecki
An iron curtain came down in my mind when my High School mathematics/science teacher suggested, as I had no aptitude for either, I would be better transferring to Arts. At 60, I finally graduated with an Arts degree. One topic I was introduced to at Flinders University was Philosophy. Thus began a grand passion. However, I soon realised many philosophers were also scientists and/or mathematicians. Fortunately for me this discovery coincided with the opening of RiAus. Over the past two years, thanks to RiAus, my personal iron curtain has gone into freefall meltdown and … SCIENCE ROCKS!”
By Angela Gillingham
Science was not offered at my girl’s school and I have always felt sad at this huge gap in my knowledge of the wonderful universe we inhabit. Now thanks to the talks, film and book club at RiAus, this knowledge is expanding exponentially as missing pieces of the jigsaw are filled in almost weekly. A heartfelt thanks to all those involved at RiAus and also the many new friends I have made there for making my life so much more pleasurable.
By Pat Venning
RiAus gives me a local source of pre-eminent scientific discussion, collaboration and education.RiAus gives me a local source of pre-eminent scientific discussion, collaboration and education. It ties me to a pedigree of the most remarkable stripe. It has encouraged me to blog, argue, volunteer and through its ‘community’ has brought me to a new desire and pitch. My affair has been greatly enriched. More practically – encouraged – I managed in 2011 to bring extra-curricular science to a school, through competition and play. In the spirit of Faraday, RiAus remains a key part of that endeavor.
By Glen Hutson
I grew up in a household where we were encouraged to question things and explore our surroundings. We had encyclopedia but found they didn’t provide enough information but as long as we continued to have an interest in a subject my father would help us find answers, whether they were in books or in the minds of people. I enjoy going to events hosted by RiAus because I can continue to learn, question and explore. It a great environment where questions and comments are welcomed.
By Dianne Bleakney Duncan
Once again I have become excited about the puzzlingly ponderous planetary perplexities of science in all its stunning glory. This surge in motivation, means that the kit telescope previously hidden on a dusty, splintery cupboard in my parent’s house, is now pointing skywards. Every day begins and ends with inquiring looks into worlds of wonder and beyond. Are we alone in the universe? Or are there other universes? Do verses have to rhyme? Or does poetry in motion equal pure science? Yes. I’m now asking the big questions.
By Stella Lombard
RiAus has changed my life by giving me access to a wide range of science subjects and interesting topics that I wouldn’t normally be familiar with. I have attended several evening talks on subjects such as electric cars, low-frequency vibrations, different types of lightning, and also watched a scary film called ’28 weeks’. I have tried interesting types of food in the gastronomy evenings, and have tried some tasty wine at the bar. All in all, a great experience!
By Kris Neilson
RiAus, science is fun and engaging. I have found out some very interesting facts.Thanks for keeping science simple!!
By Kerry Santillo
I heard about RiAus at one of their first events called the Cosmic Distance Ladder which was presented by one of the world’s leading mathematicians. It was a subject most lay people would say ‘I could never understand that’ but to the contrary we all enjoyed a highly entertaining presentation.
Just as the arts are funded to bring arts to the people so should science be funded to bring science to the people. I think the RiAus has achieved this well beyond expectations and has become a very important part of the social calendar for me and many others who have enjoyed an eclectic array of science topics that have both entertained and informed. In my opinion RiAus and the creation of the Science Exchange has been one of the most important developments in Adelaide since the building of the Festival Centre and many of the events have been every bit as breathtaking as some of the best performances seen at Festival Theatre.
I decided to join RiAus because I was so impressed with the quality and quantity of the presentations that I wanted to support RiAus and ensure its longevity by becoming a member. My friends and I generally go to an event nearly every week and I particularly enjoy having access to the latest developments in science such as the video conference hook-up with the Large Hadron Collider at CERN.
My hope for the future is that RiAus and the Science Exchange will become a major focal point for science and technology sector for the whole of Australia and will become the place where scientific breakthroughs are announced and where new research initiatives are commenced.
Thank you RiAus for making our world a richer and more aware place!
By Rex Guthrie
I was so impressed with the quality, range and depth of the RiAus presentations that I decided to become a member. I have met a few people through RiAus, as well as the staff, and find it is much better than watching TV at home. I also enjoy the excellent SA wines available.
RiAus means having my mind stretched and being entertained at the same time. It keeps me informed of current issues and thinking in the science arena. I have no background in that area, but read a lot of science books and articles. It prompts a lot of dinner discussions with a good friend I made at the Science Exchange.
By Trish Hanlon
I was pleased to be able to join RiAus because I have a life-long interest in science and wish to be able to mix with and encourage others who have a similar interest. I like the venue very much, and I enjoy the company of all I have met there. It is pleasing to see so many functions are put on, to keep science in the eye of the public. It may be said that religion chooses to believe, science chooses to find out. Long may we continue to try to find things out, for the general benefit of all humanity.
By Ron Dickens
