People in white lab coats and wacky artists; they are long-held perceptions of what science and art is all about. However Claire Harris, from Innovate Communicate, is challenging stereotypes of who does science, technology, engineering, art and maths (STEM) and why. 

Canberra Women of Science and Art showcases four women combining STEM and creativity. During National Science Week, there will be three events; on Wednesday 17th, Friday 19th and Sunday 21st of August. 

The events cater for all ages but they are at different venues to mix it up for people from different parts of Canberra. For example, Claire is hoping to attract city workers and students to the lunchtime ‘fireside chat’ event at the Canberra Innovation Network.

The 19th August event will be held at the newly renovated Woden Library with a focus on very young children (but all ages welcome). The 21st August event, at ANU’s Computer Sciences and Engineering ‘Innovation Room’, will be an all-ages hands-on workshop bonanza complete with flying drones, floating ships and robot art.

 “Science and technology disciplines rely on creative thinking. And creativity and art, in its various forms, can provide windows into exploring, understanding and contributing to research, development and commercialisation,” said Claire Harris.

“Canberra Women of Science and Art will introduce people to intriguing women who you wouldn’t realise have such cool jobs, if you passed them in the street.

“I want to demonstrate that anyone can be involved with science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM) if they want to be,” said Claire.

 Speakers/Demonstrators over the three events are:

• Katie Vidal: Education lead with She Maps. Katie teaches children and teachers how to fly drones.
• Dr Chloe Lim: Science storyteller, molecular biologist, career coach and balloon artist. Chloe’s also written a book introducing children to genetics.
• Naomi Duckworth: Engineering Manager with Department of Defence. Naomi is a systems engineer and is working on Australia’s future Navy ships. Naomi also loves design, renovations and thinking of creative ways to solve problems.
• Claire Harris: Entrepreneur and Founder of Innovate Communicate. Claire helps scientists tell their stories and she’s also fascinated by robot technology, 3D-printing and creating a tribe of robot-art Brave Bots.
• Dr Phil Dooley: Business founder, science writer, videomaker, science performer and science communication trainer. Phil will be MC. 

 National Science Week is one of Australia’s largest festivals, with an annual audience of over a million across more than 1,000 events. In 2022, National Science Week will run from 13 to 21 August, with events taking place in every state and territory of Australia.

Canberra Women of Science and Art is supported by the Australian Government through the National Science Week ACT Committee. Thanks to sponsors and partners: Libraries ACT, Canberra Innovation Network, ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science, She Maps and Double Helix magazine.

More information

• Speakers are available for interviews. Contact Claire Harris (below) for details. 
• More information available at: https://bit.ly/CbrWSA, www.innovatecommunicate.com/national-science-week and www.scienceweek.net.au.
• Speaker and promotional images (can be used with credit): Promotional Images (on Google Drive).

Event details 

What: Canberra Women of Science and Art, official National Science Week event.

Who: Claire Harris (Innovate Communicate) and associated partners and sponsors.

When and where: 

• 12:30pm-1:30pm Wednesday 17 August (@ Canberra Innovation Network)
• 10:30am-11:30am Friday 19 August (@ Woden Library)
• 10:30am-12:30pm Sunday 21 August (@ ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science).

Media Contact: Claire Harris, Innovate Communicate. 0413883414, claire@innovatecommunicate.com.