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Western Australia showcases science expertise
Western Australia’s science best on show during G’dayUK 2009
At the recent G’dayUK 2009 satellite event, held in London on 25 June, Western Australian scientists championed the State’s key involvement in the proposed Square Kilometre Array (SKA), as an international project set to revolutionise astronomy and computing.
Around 120 guests attended the event, drawn from the scientific and research community, members of parliament, companies involved in the space and aerospace arena and UK/European government agencies involved in the development of the SKA project.
Speaking at the event were Professor Peter Quinn, from the University of Western Australia, a Premier’s Fellow in Astronomy and Director of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) in Perth; Professor Phil Diamond, Director of the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics and Coordinator of the EC-funded FP7 Preparatory Phase Study for the SKA (PrepSKA); and Clinical Professor Barry Marshall AC Nobel Laureate, who along with Dr J Robin Warren was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 2005.
Professor Quinn said the SKA would represent a 10,000 fold improvement in what is currently possible.
“It’s a project the world wants, and it’s going to take the world to build it. The SKA is a once in a century opportunity for astronomy and mankind.”
As the sole wine sponsor for the event, Woodside Valley Estate provided guests with wines from their award winning Baudin collection, giving everyone a real taste of what Western Australia’s Margaret River Region can produce when it comes to premium wines.
To read more on the SKA satellite event click here or to read more about the SKA project visit www.ska.gov.au
Image:
Key speakers for the event, Professor Barry Marshall, Professor Phil
Diamond, Professor Peter Quinn with WA Agent General Mrs Kerry Sanderson
and Australian High Commissioner to the UK, Mr John Dauth LVO
