Join us at the next Surprising Science event on Tuesday 9 August, where we will delve into the future of our food and energy production; two areas of research that are key to the evolution of modern society. You’ll hear from soil chemist Dr Christopher Guppy from University of New England and mechanical engineer Dr Mahdokht Shaibani from RMIT University.

Both Dr Guppy and Dr Shaibani come from different scientific disciplines but have borrowed ideas from other research fields to create novel breakthroughs. Find out how these two areas of research come together to power the future.

Speakers

Dr Christopher Guppy, University of New England is a soil chemist whose work improves agricultural outputs. The fertilisers we currently use have a direct impact on the current and future quality of the soil and food production. His work looks at the interaction of soil nutrients and the way roots respond to soil inputs.

Dr Mahdokht Shaibani, RMIT University is a lecturer with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Monash University, Australia. Her research improves the performance metrics of batteries. Everything is moving towards being battery-powered, portable electronics, smartwatch, and cell phones, these are indispensable devices we use in our daily lives. The key to advancing this technology is to find new materials or processing techniques that improve on the existing materials.

Tickets available to attend in person at the iconic Shine Dome ($15), or to watch online (free).
Refreshments at 5.30pm AEDT, with the talks 6.00pm - 7.00pm AEDT.

The Australian Academy of Science annual speaker series for 2022, ‘Surprising science: borrowed ideas leading to unimagined consequences’, will uncover remarkable stories of breakthroughs, new technologies and unexpected outcomes—all born from scientific disciplines borrowing each other’s ideas.

See how discoveries from our everyday lives inspired scientific solutions in ways you could not imagine. Join researchers, innovators, industry experts, social scientists and more to be surprised by science in 2022!

This series is convened by Professor Mahananda Dasgupta FAA (Australian National University) and Professor Drew Evans (University of South Australia).

This series is supported by Hauberg & Co.

Please note: all guests attending events at the Shine Dome are required to be fully vaccinated or hold a valid exemption. Proof of vaccination may be requested upon entry to the building.