QIMR Berghofer comes to Gladstone for World Science Festival Brisbane

Central Queenslanders will have the opportunity to discover and explore the tiny and complex worlds that exist within us when QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute travels to Gladstone for World Science Festival Brisbane.

QIMR Berghofer’s Dr Nigel Waterhouse will talk about the tiny worlds that come to life under his microscope when he discusses his amazing job this weekend.

Dr Waterhouse said he would explain how modern microscopes help to reveal the complex and amazing world of tiny cells that make up the human body.

“Being a microscopist in medical research is a bit like being an astronomer who explores deep space,” he said.

“Instead of looking at the stars, we use lenses and light to look at the trillions of tiny cells in the body to understand what they do, what happens if something is wrong and how we might fix any problems.

“Sometimes I get to see new things that people have never seen before. Even better still, I get to use some pretty complex and sophisticated microscopes in the name of science.”

World Science Festival Brisbane is an annual celebration of science, technology, engineering, maths and the arts.

The festival’s regional program gives Queenslanders outside of the southeast corner the opportunity to get involved by joining in discussions with leading scientists, workshops, hands-on activities and visual displays.

This year’s theme will delve into what makes us human, how humanity has advanced and how science is working to ensure we live better lives for longer.

QIMR Berghofer’s Director and CEO, Frank Gannon, said the Institute was proud to help bring the wonders of science to communities outside of Brisbane.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our amazing researchers and scientists to share their expertise and passion for science with all Queenslanders,” he said.

Hear from scientists with cool jobs like Dr Waterhouse and take part in fantastic science-themed activities at the Community Day event at Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre from 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday March 3.

School students can hear about other cool science activities at the free student day at the Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre on Friday March 2.

For more information visit www.qimrberghofer.edu.au/qimr-berghofer-wsf/