In Sydney: Science Made Marvellous – 3 poetry anthologies were
launched at the State Library on 17th August, presented by the Poets Union and National Science Week.

Event: Launch of Science Made Marvellous – a celebration of science through poetry.

The evening launched Science Made Marvellous, three collections of poems curiously investigating the facts, themes and language of science, from both scientists and writers selected from with hundreds of poems submitted from all corners and all backgrounds.

Panel: A panel of scientists, writers and poets discussed the connections, overlaps and divergences between poetry and science. This year a national poetry project brings together a set of science poems to celebrate National Science Week.

Discussion: There was a panel discussion on the relationship between poetry and science with guests including Chris Winder, Professor of Toxicology, University of NSW; Dr Victoria Haritos, Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences; Paul Giles, Challis Professor of English at University of Sydney; poets Stephen Edgar, Emily Ballou and Tricia Dearborn.

About Victoria Haritos:
Victoria Haritos (Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences) looks to Australian invertebrate diversity for inspiration and discovery of new bio-based products and processes as future bio-industries to replace fossil oils. Her research is investigating new unusual fatty acid chemicals made by insects for use as colour-changing sensors and anti-microbials, the conversion of non-food parts of plants to bio-fuels like ethanol using enzymes found in the guts of termites and other carbon dioxide reduction strategies. Victoria has also investigated protein-containing slimes and silks made by invertebrates for uses like bio-gels and luxury fabric.

Readings: There were readings from the 3 Science Made Marvellous anthologies –
Law and Impulse, Holding Patterns and Earthly Matters

The Sydney launch was part of a national project co-ordinated by the Poets Union and sponsored by National Science Week.