Blogs

Media Release – Driven to Distraction, new PDplus notes released

[ By James Byrne on May 23, 2013 ]

RiAus has teamed with the Motor Accident Commission to deliver a second set of PDplus teacher notes. These notes, aimed at assisting teachers to bring science into the classroom, will be launched at a special event on 26 June. Read the full media release: Driven to Distraction, new PDplus ... Continue Reading »

Media release – A New Appointment at RiAus

[ By James Byrne on May 17, 2013 ]

National science communication organisation RiAus is strengthening its links with businesses across Australia with the appointment of a new Partnerships Manager, Diana De Hulsters. Read the full media release: New appointment RiAus - Diana De Hulsters (PDF)

Media release – Vaccination Café (23 April 2013)

[ By James Byrne on April 23, 2013 ]

Get your 2013 flu vaccination for just $10 at the first RiAus Vaccination Café. Grab a free coffee or tea and chat with roving scientists to find out more about vaccinations and how the body fights illness and disease. In association with the Australasian Society for Immunology to mark the World ... Continue Reading »

Media release – The Clock: Regional Tour (18 April 2013)

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on April 18, 2013 ]

Regional tour in Pt Augusta (Tuesday 7 May) - Port August Secondary School Theatre, Mt Gambier (Thursday 9 May) The Main Corner Complex, Goolwa (Friday 10 May) Centenary Hall. Age is just a number... isn't it? Free Range Science and ActNow Theatre present a new piece of interactive theatre, exploring the ... Continue Reading »

Media release – The Science Exchange: Historic Tour (16 April 2013)

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on April 16, 2013 ]

We may be new, but there is more history than you know behind the Science Exchange! Before becoming the home of RiAus, it had an exciting history as the Adelaide Stock Exchange. Step back in time and imagine what it must have been like, from the frantic trading floor to ... Continue Reading »

Science behind the headlines – Drugs in Sport (21 March 2013)

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on March 22, 2013 ]

With doping scandals shaking the world of sport and some of our greatest heroes being exposed as bullies, cheats and liars it makes us wonder how deep it all goes. How can we believe that an athlete's will and stamina alone is getting them to the top of their game? RiAus ... Continue Reading »

Opening Night Party – Adelaide Fringe at The Science Exchange (11 February 2013)

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on February 11, 2013 ]

Science buffs, comedy enthusiasts, music and art lovers will be amongst the revellers celebrating at the Fringe Opening Night Party at The Science Exchange this Friday, 15 February 2013. Join us for a night of science fun and frivolity with live music, performance sneak-peeks and a great atmosphere from 5.00pm ... Continue Reading »

Fuelling and Fine Tuning the Physique of the Elite Athlete (20 November 2012)

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on November 21, 2012 ]

Spin, Sweat and Success is set to answer the question: Just what makes the sporting elite, elite? Proudly presented by RiAus as part of its Free Range Science program - Spin, Sweat and Success returns for 2012 as part of the RACV Great Victorian Bike Ride, revealing the science behind elite ... Continue Reading »

Queenscliff Comes Alive to the Sound of Science (16 November 2012)

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova ]

Budding Beethovens, rap gods and guitar heroes can test their ears, skills and pitch as RiAus Free Range Science, in collaboration with Melbourne University’s Centre for Music Mind & Wellbeing, brings the science of sound to this year’s Queenscliff Music Festival. “The Music Lab event will bring cutting edge technology, interactive ... Continue Reading »

Leading Trio to Inspire Women in Science (20 November 2012)

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova ]

Three leading women in science will share their secrets to career success at a key industry event in Melbourne this month. Baroness Prof Susan Greenfield CBE, former Australian of the Year Prof Fiona Stanley AC and 2012 Young Australian of the Year Marita Cheng will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing women ... Continue Reading »

Wake Up Mildura, and Smell the Science of Coffee (12 November 2012)

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on November 20, 2012 ]

The chemistry of coffee will entertain and satisfy you at the Sunraysia Farmers Market in Mildura on Saturday, 1 December. Proudly presented by RiAus as part of its Free Range Science program, Chemistry in a Cup will look at why we get so much enjoyment from coffee as well ... Continue Reading »

Explore the Beauty of Bugs (12 November 2012)

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on November 1, 2012 ]

If you scream and run when you see a bug, then this event might not be for you. But if you are fascinated by the range and diversity of these beautiful creatures, then join Free Range Science for a day out with the family and a bit of science ‘on ... Continue Reading »

Science Behind the Headlines: Marine Parks and ‘No-Take’ Zones (1 November 2012)

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova ]

The next discussion in the RiAus Science Behind the Headlines series, to be held on Tuesday 13 November at The Science Exchange, will look at the Marine Park and ‘no-take’ zone network proposed earlier this year by the Federal government. After several months of consultation and arguments back-and-forth between ... Continue Reading »

Science + Rock = Ologism! (13 November October 2012)

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on October 26, 2012 ]

When some of Australia’s best science communicators and an ARIA award-winning musician get together you had better believe that you will see something new. Ologism is the collaborative effort of Marty Lubran (Crackpot, Inverto), Chris Krishna-Pillay (Pre-Coital, Somnium, Dante’s Laboratory) and Darren Vogrig (Jumpin’ Jack’s Back) to bring a new energy ... Continue Reading »

The Science Inspiration Brian Schmidt Will Expand Your Mind (17 October 2012)

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on October 18, 2012 ]

This inspiring RiAus event on Thursday 25 October 2012 will unearth the real person behind one of Australia’s biggest names in science: Prof Brian Schmidt, joint-winner of the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics. Prof Brian Schmidt stepped into the public eye when he was presented with science’s highest accolade for his ... Continue Reading »

An Inconvenient Truth (7 September 2012)

[ By bryanharrell on September 7, 2012 ]

An Inconvenient Truth is one of the most discussed and controversial non-fiction films in the past decade. As a UK consultant to Al Gore, Prof Chris Rapley CBE is exceptionally well-placed to take us through the changes in the science since ... Continue Reading »

A look at what lies within Incredible Inner Space exhibition (31 August 2012)

[ By bryanharrell ]

RiAus will take us on a search to find the secrets of the microscope when it hosts the Incredible Inner Space exhibition at its FutureSpace Gallery from Thursday 6 September. The exhibition is being staged in association with AMMRF, the Australian Microscopy & Microanalysis Research Facility and will run until ... Continue Reading »

Can you Sci-ku? (10 August 2012)

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on August 10, 2012 ]

RiAus is setting a challenge to all Australians - young and old - to take part in its 3rd Annual Sci-ku Poetry Competition. What is a Sci-ku? “A Sci-ku is a short three-line poem about science,” said competition co-ordinator, Kiran Shettigara. “Although it is inspired by the Japanese poetry form: ... Continue Reading »

Great Big Science Read What’s Your Favourite Science Book? (10 August 2012)

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova ]

In celebration of National Science Week and National Year of Reading, RiAus has released the favourite science books of some of Australia’s high-profile scientists and engineers including Nobel Laureate, Prof. Brian Schmidt and Young Australian of the Year, Marita Cheng. Libraries around Australia (from Adelaide City Council’s Grote Street Library to ... Continue Reading »

Domestic + Science (12 July 2012)

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on July 12, 2012 ]

This SALA season, RiAus will open its FutureSpace Gallery to an art exhibition that takes us to a place we all know – or we think we do – the domestic environment. RiAus aims to foster links with the local arts and science community and within the SALA Festival, its Domestic ... Continue Reading »

The Fame Algorithm (10 July 2012)

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on July 10, 2012 ]

Australian Numeracy Ambassador Simon Pampena’s sellout Fringe Show is back by popular demand at The Science Exchange during National Science Week 2012. What’s the secret to fame and fortune? Looks? Talent? Opportunity? Not anymore. In today’s world you need to know MATHS. Read the full media alert - The Fame Algorithm

100 years on: Uncovering the mystery of the Titanic (21 June 2012)

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on June 20, 2012 ]

One of the greatest tragedies in history commemorates its centenary this year but how much do we actually know about the sinking of the Titanic? On Tuesday 26 June, RiAus, in association with the South Australian Maritime Museum, will explore the science behind the sinking and rediscovery of the most famous ... Continue Reading »

Award winning night sky photographs on exhibit (31 May 2012)

[ By freya on May 31, 2012 ]

Spectacular photographic images of the Australian night sky will be on display at The Science Exchange as part of the touring exhibition Winning sky photographs: the David Malin Awards 2011.   View the full media release - Award winning night sky photographs on exhibit

Science behind the headlines – Alternative Energy

[ By freya on May 29, 2012 ]

The science behind alternate energies in a post climate change world A panel discussion will convene in Adelaide on Tuesday, 22 May at The Science Exchange to discuss the search for a replacement energy solution for the future. Dr Paul Willis, RiAus Director, will host this discussion as part of the ... Continue Reading »

Venus in transit – a Cook, the Sun and a sight (24 May 2012)

[ By freya on May 24, 2012 ]

On Wednesday 6 June, the people of Earth will be able to witness a ‘transit of Venus’ - when the planet Venus can be seen moving across the face of the Sun. RiAus plays host to an event on Tuesday 29 May to celebrate and discuss this astounding celestial event. ... Continue Reading »

The Science Exchange: the oldest new venue in Adelaide (1 May 2012)

[ By freya on May 1, 2012 ]

Once home to the sights and sounds of the trading room floor, the renovated former Adelaide Stock Exchange has been transformed into one of Adelaide’s premier venues for corporate functions: The Science Exchange. View the full media alert - The Science Exchange: the oldest new venue in Adelaide Related Content ... Continue Reading »

Tasting Australia: Discover the science of food with RiAus (24 April 2012)

[ By freya on April 26, 2012 ]

The science of food will feature prominently in this year’s Tasting Australia as RiAus hosts three appetising discussions at this weekend’s Word of Mouth Event in Elder Park. Cravings explores the impact of the mind on the food on our plates. A panel of experts including celebrated food critic and Masterchef ... Continue Reading »

Darwinists versus Creationists: Who are the real “dodos”? (13 April 2012)

[ By freya on April 18, 2012 ]

From marine biologist to filmmaker, Dr Randy Olson is the self-proclaimed antidote to “narcoleptic nature documentaries”. In anticipation of his May visit to Adelaide, RiAus invites you to join us for a special screening of Dr Olson’s clever and humorous documentary that asks the question, “Who are the real dodos?” ... Continue Reading »

The science of sex: not always a happy ending (5 April 2012)

[ By freya on April 5, 2012 ]

RiAus, in collaboration with ABC TV’s Catalyst program, is proud to host a special event examining the ins and outs of the modern human’s sexuality. This live event will commence with an advanced screening of a new Catalyst special about sex, which examines two rare sexual conditions – persistent genital arousal ... Continue Reading »

RiAus takes out three 2012 Adelaide Fringe Awards (23 March 2012)

[ By freya on March 23, 2012 ]

RiAus and The Science Exchange have been recognised for staging high quality events in the science/arts arena with three awards at this year’s Adelaide Fringe. View full media release - RiAus takes out three 2012 Adelaide Fringe Awards

Sweet Science of Chocolate at the Murrabit Easter Market (22 March 2012)

[ By freya on March 22, 2012 ]

Free Range Science is heading to Murrabit for the Easter Markets to reveal the science behind chocolate at its Chocolate Coated Science event. Chef and food scientist Galit Segev will hold cooking demonstrations at the Free Range Science tent and talk to the crowd about how chocolate is made and the ... Continue Reading »

Science behind the headlines – Will the rivers run dry? (20 March 2012)

[ By freya on March 20, 2012 ]

As Australia moves closer to having a nationwide plan in place for the preservation of the Murray Darling river systems, many have sought to question the validity of the science, and indeed the scientists whose work has been pivotal in shaping it. Director Dr Paul Willis will host a discussion as ... Continue Reading »

Solar science rolls into Colac Kana Festival (15 March 2012)

[ By freya on March 15, 2012 ]

The RiAus Free Range Science team has joined up with the Aurora Solar Car Team to show off the amazing possibilities of power from the sun this weekend at the Colac Kana Festival. “This family event will allow people to get up close to the wonders of solar technology and ... Continue Reading »

Science goes Free Range on screen at Warrambeen – 24 February 2012

[ By freya ]

A celebration of all things scientific will hit the big screen on Saturday 3 March as part of the Warrambeen Film Festival. Proudly presented by RiAus as part of its Free Range Science program, the afternoon will be packed with science films and documentaries including winning entries from the 2010 and ... Continue Reading »

Over 150 years on, Faraday’s Candle still lights up imaginations (5 March 2012)

[ By freya on March 5, 2012 ]

This Fringe season, Adelaide’s historic Science Exchange will take you back 150 years. Revisit a time when scientist Michael Faraday wowed audiences at the Royal Institution of Great Britain (RiGB) with his now-famous lectures on the ‘Chemical History of a Candle’. View the full media release - Over 150 years ... Continue Reading »

Counting down the days – the maths of death (Melbourne) (24 February 2012)

[ By freya on February 24, 2012 ]

What are the chances of you dying during a comedy show about mathematics? 0.000043% according to UK based performers, Matt Parker and Timandra Harkness who are bringing their unique take on the murky world of statistics to stages in Australia. Hot on the heels of sell out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe ... Continue Reading »

Counting down the days – the maths of death (Adelaide) (24 February 2012)

[ By freya ]

What are the chances of you dying during a comedy show about mathematics? 0.000043% according to UK based performers, Matt Parker and Timandra Harkness who are bringing their unique take on the murky world of statistics to Adelaide. View the full media release - Counting down the days - the ... Continue Reading »

Entertain your brain at the Science Exchange this Fringe (23 February 2012)

[ By freya on February 23, 2012 ]

Short-listed for Best Venue at the 2001 Adelaide Fringe Festival, The Science Exchange once again delivers an eclectic array of shows that will make you laugh, cry and question the remarkable world we live in. Join us at The Science Exchange for the 2012 Adelaide Fringe! View the full media ... Continue Reading »

Adelaide Fringe at the Science Exchange Opening Night Party (23 February 2012)

[ By freya ]

Science buffs will have a whale of a time at the marine-themed Fringe Parade and Opening Night Party at the Science Exchange this Friday 24 February 2012. Join us for a night of fun from 4:30pm at the Science Exchange bar. RiAus staff and volunteers will don underwater-inspired costumes for ... Continue Reading »

No-one is immune: the reality of organ donation (17 February 2012)

[ By freya on February 17, 2012 ]

When a patient waiting for an organ transplant is finally given one that is compatible, it’s as though all their prayers are answered. But, as Samantha McDonnell found out, it is the just the beginning of the long road to recovery. View full media release - No-one is ... Continue Reading »

Busting the myths of organ donation in Port Augusta (16 February 2012)

[ By freya on February 16, 2012 ]

Confused about organ donation? You are not alone. But organ donation could one day save the life of someone you love. As part of DonateLife Week 2012, RiAus, in association with DonateLife SA and the support of the Organ ... Continue Reading »

Busting the myths of organ donation in Mount Gambier (7 February 2012)

[ By freya on February 7, 2012 ]

Confused about organ donation? You are not alone. But organ donation could one day save the life of someone you love. As part of DonateLife Week 2012 RiAus, in association with DonateLife SA and the support of the Organ and Tissue Authority, will present Organ Donation: your questions answered at City ... Continue Reading »

The maths of making it (7 February 2012)

[ By freya ]

Australian Numeracy Ambassador Simon Pampena demonstrates Maths for what we really want @ The Science Exchange for this year’s Adelaide Fringe. What’s the secret to fame and fortune? Looks? Talent? Opportunity? Not anymore. In today’s world you need to know MATHS. View full media release: The Fame Algorithm with ... Continue Reading »

Duke returns to see great progress at RiAus (31 January 2012)

[ By Petra Dzurovcinova on January 31, 2012 ]

His Royal Highness, The Duke of Kent is in Adelaide today (Tuesday 31 January 2012) to visit RiAus and see the progress of the organisation which he last visited when it was officially opened in October 2009. View full media release - Duke returns to see great progress at RiAus    

Bradley Abraham joins RiAus as General Manager (17 January 2012)

[ By freya on January 17, 2012 ]

RiAus welcomes Bradley Abraham to the new role of General Manager, following the departure of founding Chief Operating Officer of RiAus, Damian Scanlon. View full media release

The ethics of selling cells (21 November)

[ By freya on November 21, 2011 ]

With support increasing for stem cell research, Australians are increasingly travelling to overseas clinics and companies offering a quick fix for a myriad of conditions with stem cell treatments. “These treatments can involve patients receiving injections into their brain, spinal cords or veins, they are highly expensive and often have no ... Continue Reading »

Busting myths on speed (21 November 2011)

[ By freya ]

The Motor Accident Commission (MAC) in conjunction with RiAus (the Royal Institution of Australia) will host a free public event: Busting myths on speed, at the Science Exchange to dispel some of the common myths surrounding speed on our roads. The MAC General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Ben Tuffnell, said that the ... Continue Reading »

RiAus Second Birthday Celebration Competition winners announced

[ By freya on November 4, 2011 ]

How has RiAus changed your life? This was the question RiAus asked during its Second Birthday Celebration Competition. RiAus opened its doors on 8 October 2009. Two years later, the science-communications organisation is a vibrant cultural hub. For the month of October 2011, members of the RiAus community were asked to tell ... Continue Reading »

Beer Science at Bairnsdale Show (31 October 2011)

[ By freya on October 31, 2011 ]

You might love a cold beer, but how often do you spare a thought for the science behind its creation? As well as being the world’s most widely consumed alcoholic beverage, beer is one of the oldest biotechnologies. Bairnsdale locals will have the chance to learn everything they ever wanted to ... Continue Reading »

Port Augusta to see how cars of the future run on sun (Spring 2011)

[ By freya on October 17, 2011 ]

Residents of Port Augusta have a chance to see the science behind the 2011 Veolia World Solar Challenge when RiAus and the Aurora Solar Car team arrive in town on Wednesday 19th October. View full media release Related Content Veolia World Solar Challenge Outreach Program (10 - 19 ... Continue Reading »