CQUni Food Festival awarded $16,800 in 2021 National Science Week grant

CQUniversity's CQ Festival of Food' an upcoming event that will highlight the scientific processes involved in the production of food' has been awarded $16 800 in the latest round of the National Science Week grants.

Minister for Industry' Science and Technology Karen Andrews recently announced CQUniversity was one of the recipients as part of the $500 000 grant round for 2021.

The projects awarded took inspiration from the National Science Week school theme of Food – Different by Design' including Food – Now and into the Future which is all about making healthy food choices.

CQUniversity Senior Lecturer' Australia Pacific LNG STEM Central Lead Dr Linda Pfeiffer said The CQ Festival of Food: the scientific processes involved in food will allow CQUniversity to showcase advanced agriculture and technologies to primary school students and teachers in regional Queensland.

"Each day during National Science Week in August a series of challenges will be sent live via zoom to schools in Central Queensland. These will be for pre – Year 2' Years 3-4' and Years 5-6 and adults'" Dr Pfeiffer said.

"This will give the students and teachers a unique opportunity to explore the science of Bundaberg food production' Gladstone's fisheries' the Rockhampton beef industry' Mackay sugar production' and more.

"The festival will include engaging scientific experiments for students and the broader community. Industry' the education sector' and university experts will work together to develop the content' giving people a unique opportunity to explore the science of Bundaberg food production' Gladstone's fisheries' the Rockhampton beef industry' Mackay sugar production' and more.

"It is a great honour to receive this National grant. I have been conducting National Science Week events since 1997. Every year there is a different theme and this year's theme of food is a great opportunity for CQUniversity and the Central Queensland region."

Minister for Industry' Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the Australian Government was proud to support inspiring' innovative and accessible projects as part of National Science Week.

"Science is everywhere' and National Science Week is for everyone'" Minister Andrews said.

"Even in the midst of last year's lockdowns' more than one million Australians took part in events across every state and territory. This year' we're looking to boost those numbers even higher.

"From concerts to VR tours and everything in between' this year's National Science Week grant recipients have something to offer every Australian."