COULD this be the ultimate citizen science experiment? Imagine engaging non-geeks in discussions about tracking microbats or radio stars—all over a pint of beer in a local pub.
That’s the aim for the Pint of Science Festival, which is holding two events at the Paddington Ale House in Mt Hawthorn on May 13 and 15, with topics ranging from animal adventures, the secrets of sand and even the “wonderful world of porous materials”.
Relaxed
Pint of Science media manager Zac Arkley-Smith said the festival aims to educate and inform people about scientific matters in a relaxed and familiar environment.
“Science moves in small steps, and it’s important to raise awareness of these steps to ensure this work can be recognised,” Mr Arkley-Smith.
It comes after a particularly difficult decade for the science community, with cut-backs to budgets, attacks on climate change researches and even the axing of the science portfolio in the former Abbott government.
Mr Arkley-Smith says that at a political level it’s clear science isn’t sufficiently prioritised.
“We’re trending downwards – holding science as centre to policy decisions – particularly with the climate debate.”
Conservation Council of WA citizen science program manager Kelly Sheldrick will be giving one of the talks at the Animal Adventures session on May 13 about microbats which can weigh as little as three Smarties.
Ms Sheldrick said bioacoustics can be used to address how the South West’s unique micro-bats are faring in response to environmental pressures, including this year’s long, hot summer.
“WA’s dry summer contributed to major insect loss leading to bat’s being unable to sustain themselves and their young,” Ms Sheldrick said.
But they have a trick up their wing.
“Some micro-bats are also able to self-abort and most species only have up to one pup per year.”
Perceptions
Ms Sheldrick hopes her talk can change perceptions about bats, which might be needed to give them a more secure future.
“Bats are often referred to negatively, particularly in literature; this stigma contributes to a lack of awareness and funding,” Ms Sheldrick said.
Also on the bill for Animals Adventures is a talk on how to find turtles in a big ocean and exercising farmed fish.
On May 14 Down to Earth and Up in Space will feature talks on porous materials, secrets of the sand and radio stars behaving like planets.
Doors open 7pm and tickets can be purchased for $8 each at pintofscience.com.au
by TILLY KITCHEN
Perth Voice Interactive 
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