Innovation, Inspiration and Intelligence at this year’s National Science Week – ECU Newsroom
The Anti-Conference
Edith Cowan University (ECU) is excited to be part of our State’s flagship event for National Science Week 2023, The Anti-Conference.
The Anti-Conference isn’t your typical conference. Uniquely Western Australian, the event will offer a brain-tickling Quiz Night and a full-day of 30-minute interactive sessions and workshops covering robotics, antibiotic resistance, renewable energy and more.
The conference is run by Inspiring WA through Scitech, a government program aimed at engaging all Australians with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
Everyone’s welcome
Outreach and Engagement Coordinator in ECU’s School of Science and Inspiring WA Coordinating Committee Member, Cass Rowles said that National Science Week shows the depth and breadth of science and technology in Australia.
“We try to get people who aren’t familiar with science involved as the events are open to anyone regardless of how involved you already are in science,” she said.
“We’d love it if everyone could bring in a non-science friend to build community and celebrate all things STEM in WA.”
Armageddon or Miracle?
Representing ECU is School of Science student, Elliot Rosignoli who said that National Science Week is an opportunity to offer and receive information into the wonderful world of scientific discovery.
Elliot will be hosting ‘Armageddon or Miracle?’ at The Anti-Conference, a workshop and debate about ethical concerns of using advancing technology.
“I wish to engage with a scientifically curious community to discuss in a friendly, Socratic and respectful manner some of the technological advancements and their respective ethical concerns should they be used with malicious intent. If that sounds appealing, you should definitely come,” he said.
Elliot is currently studying a Bachelor of Science in Cybercrime, Security and Intelligence. He moved to Australia as a child from England but has Spanish-Italian heritage.
“In high school my passion for coding (the language of computers) was noticed by a mathematics teacher who encouraged me to pursue cybersecurity, cryptography, and ethical hacking utilising the mathematical and logic skills developed from coding.”
With his experience in learning cybersecurity and cryptography, Elliot wanted to expand his knowledge on the world of intelligence and national security.
“I saw a great opportunity to study a dual degree in intelligence and security offered between ECU and the University of Portsmouth which appealed to me due to the engaging content and opportunity to study abroad,” he said.
“This course is beyond expectations both in workload and interest. What’s surprising is the influence of legality, morality, and policy of intelligence and security officers. The most fun aspect is undoubtably the social events and opportunities to meet new people.”
ECU is proud to sponsor National Science Week in WA through community focused grants. These grants go towards STEM events and initiatives across the State to increase engagement among all West Australians.
This year, a total of sixteen events were funded. From taking robotics to the outback to learning about our First Scientists to getting curious about bird intelligence, this year’s grant recipients showcased the versatility of STEM and will connect WA communities.
To find out more and book tickets, visit The Anti-Conference website.