Achievements

One of the main aims of the Foundation is "To co-operate with the School of Physics, the Faculty of Science and the University to promote the significance of Science and develop an understanding of its importance, both within Australia and internationally".

The main ways the Science Foundation for Physics has achieved this aim has been through the prestigious International Science Schools for high school students, the Science Teachers' Workshops, MyScience for Primary education and the support of Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, the Foundation's Julius Sumner Miller Fellow.

Silliac

In 1956, SILLIAC - the first Australian-built computer built within an Australian University - was switched on for the first time. In 2006, the University of Sydney celebrated SILLIAC’s 50th birthday with a two-day celebration event, including symposium, reunion and gala dinner. The Science Foundation for Physics put together a DVD of interviews with key people from the early days of SILLIAC as part of the celebration.

Silliac videos.

MyScience

MyScience is a primary school program that aims to spark children’s natural curiosity about the world around them then enable them to feed that curiosity through science investigation.

The School of Physics was involved in MyScience in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Through MyScience, children sharpen their thinking and gain useful life skills. Children work independently but are in touch with Scientist Mentors with whom they can discuss and debate and from whom they can be inspired and motivated.

Further details are on the MyScience website: www.myscience.edu.au