The Queensland National Science Week Committee received a greatly increased number of applications for the 2015 Queensland Grant Rounds, with nine successful applicants recently informed of their success.

The Queensland Launch will be held in Cairns on Saturday 15 August, and it is pleasing to see the strong representation of successful regional grant applications.

The following projects will proceed in 2015 with the support of funding from the Queensland National Science Week Committee:

• “Shining a Light on Science” presented by City Libraries Townsville will involve the community in taking a picture, or up to one minute of video, that “shines a light” on aspects of Townsville’s STEM activities or scientific observation of the local community (such as wildlife, weather or geology).
• The Warwick Agriculture Science Expo and Awards Day presented by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries aims to promote agricultural science and careers, along with research projects, to the wider community.
• The Women in Science Public Forum presented by Women in Technology, the Queensland Department of Science Information Technology and Innovation and the University of Queensland Diamantina Institute.  Scientists will talk about their pathways to careers in science and their advice for young women and girls considering a career in science.
• Café Scientific – “Weeds – nipping them in the bud.  Science and community partnerships that work” presented by the Queensland Herbarium
• Starstruck – an event for all the community celebrating the International Year of Light by looking to the stars at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens presented by Ausdance Queensland.
• “What is Sexy Science? Inspiring Future Scientists” is a debate/forum style event suitable for all ages and broadcast on the ABC Radio National, Big Ideas show at the Queensland Museum.
• The Science Nation Debate Tournament will see eight prominent researchers try and convince the audience that they have the weirdest field of research.
• A Forum Showcasing the role of Science in enabling independent living presented by Community Resourcing
• The National Science Week Closing event hosted by the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist.

Congratulations to all the successful grant applicants and thank you to the many organisations who applied in 2015. Don’t forget to register events on the National Website for what will no doubt be another thrilling National Science Week.