Stop #1 on Beaker Street Festival's Tassie Science Road Trip

Hacking Nature to Save Ecosystems — Dr Jessica Melbourne-Thomas

The world is warming and our oceans are changing – very fast and particularly so around Tasmania and Antarctica. Scientists have an opportunity now, through sophisticated forecasting tools and technological intervention, to conserve what we value most from our marine and coastal systems. By working within the framework of inevitable change, we can stave off some of the worst climate change impacts -- but this entails some tough choices and trade-offs. Learn about Tasmania's world-leading adaptation research, how we are responding to crises like mass die-off of kelp forests, and what the future could look like if we respond strategically.

Enjoy her talk, then stick around for coffee and a chat with Jess!

About the Speaker
Dr Jess Melbourne-Thomas grew up exploring Tasmania’s coastline and wilderness and has gone on to work in the marine environment from the tropics to the poles. With a background in mathematical modelling and Antarctic climate change science, Jess is now a Knowledge Broker for CSIRO, helping to bridge the gap between complex scientific research and decision-making for sustainability. A passionate advocate for diversity and gender equality in science, Jess co-founded the Homeward Bound project, which took the largest ever all female expedition on a leadership journey to Antarctica in 2016. Jess was one of Australia’s first 30 Superstars of STEM and was named Tasmania's Young Tall Poppy of the Year in 2015 for her excellence in research, science communication and policy engagement. She was also one of 12 female scientists globally to have her portrait featured as a constellation on the ceiling of New York’s Grand Central Station as part of GE’s Balance the Equation campaign. Jess was the 2020 Tasmanian Australian of the Year.

More about Beaker Street Festival's Tassie Science Road Trip
Explore Tasmania alongside some of Tassie’s most interesting and accomplished scientists. Take a deep dive into four iconic locations, where you’ll hear from some of the state's most prominent scientists on issues relevant to the local area. At each location, you'll be invited to a scientific talk, followed by plenty of opportunities to chat with the scientists one-on-one over drinks or a meal. Join us at every stop of the Trip, or choose your own adventure. View the whole Road Trip, and learn more about Beaker Street Festival, the annual celebration of science and art in lutruwita/Tasmania, at www.beakerstreet.com.au.

COVID-19 Entry Conditions
All visitors 16 years and older are required to register their details on entry via the Check In TAS app. Please maintain social distancing especially when queueing or at our bars. If you are unwell, please stay home.

A Seat at the Table
Beaker Street Festival's pay-it-forward initiative, A Seat at the Table, helps make our science and art offerings accessible to those who can't afford to purchase a ticket. Ticket buyers have the option to donate towards the cost of a stranger's ticket. You won't know who you've helped, but your donation will go directly to allowing someone else to access this great event.

Need a seat at the table? Email: seatplease@beakerstreet.com.au with your name, email address, post code, your age (if you don't mind - it helps us gather data), which event you're interested in, and whether you would like one or two tickets. Your information will never be shared or made public. If we can offer you a seat, we'll notify you by email within a week of the event.