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Media Release
Australia Hosts International Science Journalists
23 February 2007
The Australian Government has announced $120,000 in sponsorship funding for the 5th World Conference of Science Journalists, to be held in Melbourne from 16-20 April this year.
The Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, said the Government is proud to sponsor the event, which is to be held in Australia for the first time. Minister Bishop has also accepted an invitation from conference organisers the Australian Science Communicators to officially open the conference.
“Science journalists play a very important role in raising the public’s awareness of scientific discoveries and events in our lives, through a range of media formats. It is anticipated over 400 delegates will attend the conference from both Australia and overseas. I am pleased to note that the Australian Science Communicators have ensured journalists from developing countries will be able to attend by providing approximately 50 scholarships,” Minister Bishop said.
Conference delegates will be able to attend informative sessions on important contemporary issues in science, such as climate change, investigating scientific fraud, and the discovery of the ‘hobbit people’, Homo floresiensis.
Delegates will also have the unique opportunity to experience Australian science first-hand by visiting research agencies and universities and networking with our scientists and researchers.
“I’m sure all the journalists attending the conference will benefit from sharing their ideas and different experiences, and I look forward to the outcomes from this worthwhile event.”
For more information visit: http://www.scienceinmelbourne2007.org/
Media Contacts:
Minister Bishop’s Office: Tory Vidler 0414 228 727
Dept of Education, Science & Training:
Media enquiries: Media Unit 02 6240 7300
Non-media enquiries 1300 363 079
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