Chief scientist opens science retreat at CSU
More than 100 Charles Sturt University (CSU) academics packed into a lecture theatre at
Wagga Wagga last week to hear Australia’s Chief Scientist Professor Ian Chubb AC urge
them to take up the cause of science education.
Professor Chubb delivered a keynote address to the CSU faculty of science learning and
teaching retreat in Wagga on Thursday 12 February.
In his speech, the chief scientist spoke of his aim to increase the focus of science in the
education system.
Professor Chubb said he ‘seeks to encourage the education system and its providers to get
together to educate about science in a way that lifts the threshold knowledge of the
community’.
Professor Chubb questioned why we have fewer students studying science at high school now
than 20 years ago, a trend reflected in university enrolments, and reflected on what might be
the ramifications for society.
Professor Chubb stressed that science will be at the core of finding solutions enabling us to
maintain the style of life and standard of living society wants today and for future
generations.
The faculty of science retreat was held over two days at CSU in Wagga Wagga and attended
by academics from across the multi-campus university, including Orange.
Executive dean of the faculty of science Professor Tim Wess said Professor Chubb was one
of a number of leading science educators to attend the retreat to share their knowledge and
inspire Charles Sturt University staff to take teaching to the next level.
You can listen to Professor Chubb's keynote address, The Importance of Science in
Australia's Knowledge Era, at https://soundcloud.com/csumedia-1/professor-ian-chubb-atcsu-12-february-2015
Photo:
Australia’s chief scientist Professor Ian Chubb (left) with Professor Tim Wess at Charles
Sturt University, Wagga Wagga