What sparked scientists’ interest in science?

As we embark on a new year, hopefully with more progress on the COVID-19 front, we asked six authors of The Conversation to reflect on what first sparked their interest in science.

Debunking scientist stereotypes

Students at UNSW are trying to debunk problematic stereotypes of their chosen profession during National Science Week.

Aussies back science as a critical part of society

While a small minority of science deniers make waves on social media, most people in Australia and the western world continue to have faith in science and value its role in society.

Remembering Thomas Harriot

Four hundred years ago, a remarkable Englishman named Thomas Harriot died in London, leaving behind 8000 pages of unpublished scientific research whose significance researchers are only now appreciating.

Top 10 science stories of 2020

It’s been a big, and often worrying year, of scientific research, but amid the gloom around health and the environment, there were some bright spots as this summary compiled by the Australian Science Media Centre records.

Weird science

2020 was certainly a weird year, so perhaps it’s not surprising that it produced a bumper crop of weird and wonderful science yarns. The Australian Science Media Centre has picked ten of the best.

Counterpoint by Mark Nicol – When is a science not a science?

The scientific method has allowed mankind to understand and conquer the world around him, but even science may have its limits in dealing with complex human and moral issues.

Science needs to look inward to move forward

Robust science depends on encouraging and incentivising more open and transparent practices in research – now, metascientists are looking at what works and what doesn’t.

More science highlights from 2019

This year’s most popular science stories took readers from melting Antarctic ice sounding the alarm on microbes and climate change, to a pest-proof fence to protect native wildlife in far western NSW, and early signs of life in ancient rocks in the Pilbara, WA.

The best science stories of 2019

While 2019 saw a relentless barrage of bad news on the environment, a range of other science stories offered hope that human ingenuity can make this word a better place – at least find out more about it.

The best weird science of 2019

2019 saw its fair share of weird scientific stories and inventions.  Here are just a few from the annals of the Australian Science Media Centre.

Predicting research results can mean better science and better advice

Research forecasts based on prior beliefs can improve the interpretation of research results and the way we do science.