TOP RIGHT - PROFESSOR STEVEN CHOWN DESCRIBES HOW GLOBAL WEATHER PATTERNS ARE CONTROLLED BY ANTARCTIC SEA ICE .
SCIENCE ORATION 2024 : ‘ LOOKING AFTER LIFE ON EARTH – A POLAR PERSPECTIVE ’
INSIGHTS ON CHALLENGES FACING THE ANTARCTIC ECOSYSTEMS
The 12th Annual Science Oration , held at Scotch on Thursday 15 August , was delivered by Professor Steven Chown . Fellow of the Australian Academy of Sciences , Professor Chown is currently a Professor of Biological Science at Monash University and Director of Securing Antarctica ’ s Environmental Future ( SAEF ).
His research mainly concerns biodiversity variation across both space and time , and the conservation implications of environmental change , including the means to mitigate it . Professor Chown co-developed the field of macrophysiology – the investigation of large-scale patterns underlying physiological variation and their ecological implications for all species .
The event commenced with an inspiring presentation from Year 10 students Aaran Lee , Elliott Mark , Ethan Wong and Harris Song . These young men spoke about some of the exciting Science being conducted at Scotch , showing their prototype hydrogen-powered car . This intelligent vehicle uses a suite of LIDAR , RADAR , ultrasonic sensors , high-powered cameras and positional GPS to navigate and make real-time decisions in traffic . The data ascertained from these systems is fed through and analysed by an integrated artificial intelligence register . The prototype called on various design features to ensure a sleek , reliable high-
performance car as in the Porsche 911 Turbo S . An online model of their design can be found here : https :// a360 . co / 4bA4lmu
Following their presentation , Professor Chown ’ s oration gave a fascinating review of life in the Antarctic . Titled ‘ Looking after life on Earth – a polar perspective ’ he described the harsh , yet delicate ecosystem that exists at the South Pole . Accompanied by visions of spectacular landscapes , he outlined everything from making the journey to the remote Antarctic stations to the magnificent creatures that call this frozen continent home . A powerful aspect of Professor Chown ’ s talk was his ability to describe complex science effortlessly , while still enabling us to have hope for the future of the Antarctic , and the impact we can have to ensure species survival continues for generations to come .
The oration was received with enthusiasm by attendees of all age groups . It aligned seamlessly with the 2024 Science Week theme which was ‘ Species survival – more than just sustainability ’. Through his compelling narrative , Professor Chown enlightened the Scotch community on the challenge we are facing with balancing the delicate ecosystems in Antarctica . The oration stimulated curiosity and sparked many dialogues surrounding species survival , and our responsibility for its future .
ALEX COLUSSA – SCIENCE AMBASSADOR
HARRIS SONG ( YEAR 10 ) DETAILS
THE EXCITING SCIENCE OCCURRING
AT SCOTCH ,
SHOWCASING HIS CAD SKETCH OF THE STUDENTS ’
‘ BAE SYSTEM '
AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE
SCIENCE AMBASSADOR ALEX COLUSSA
INTRODUCING PROFESSOR
STEVEN
CHOWN WHO TOLD MANY TALES FROM HIS WORK IN ANTARCTICA .
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