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It's all about the Science... |
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Ever wondered why a society, whose aim is to promote Science, is interested in a 150 year old historical event? It's all about the science...
The Royal Society of Victoria (RSV) is the same organisation that sent Burke and Wills off on their journey in 1860, 150 years ago. Then called the Victorian Exploring Expedition, it was planned as as a serious scientific exploration of the hitherto unexplored centre of Australia. The Expedition was sent to find out what was out there in Terra Incognita, and not only to explore this new environment, but to report back on their findings, to bring back samples of flora and fauna, to take measurements and make observations. The tragic ending has obscured the scientific nature of the expedition, and the amount of serious science that was carried out.
The RSV's contribution to the wider Commemoration Program plans to rectify that with a series of events and projects to showcase "the science of Burke and Wills". There are two research projects which will produce fascinating new books. In 2010 the Society extended the reach of its community lectures and schools programs into country Victoria through its "Science along the Track" program and its collaboration with Bug Blitz. In 2011, the RSV is stageing an unofficial coronial enquiry which will use modern forensic science to shed new light on the causes of the deaths of the explorers. More details are given for each of these activities below. |
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This important new Royal Society of Victoria program brought leading scientists from Melbourne to the regional centres of Castlemaine, Bendigo and Swan Hill, where they participated in some or all of three activities:
"Why do Science?" - a visit to a secondary school to talk to students about why the visiting scientists chose science as a career, and about their current research activities
"Past and Future Science" - a public lecture open to all the community. The lectures included a view of science 150 years ago, when Burke and Wills set out, followed by talks from scientists working at the leading edge of scientific research today - for example, Dr Mary Familari providing an update on the status of stem cell research or Dr Bill Birch talking about geological discoveries at Lake Boga since the Expedition passed through Swan Hill.
"Meet a Scientist" - luncheon or dinner providing an opportunity for students, parents and other members of the community to meet scientists and discuss their work in a more informal atmosphere. Visiting scientists were joined by locally-based scientists for these events. |
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Young Science Ambassadors |
Postponed due to lack of funding
The Royal Society of Victoria’s Young Science Ambassadors program involves selected students participating in an intensive week long science program in Melbourne, designed to expose young science students to a range of scientific studies and scientific careers. Each student ambassador is given an understanding of science courses and rewarding scientific careers. On return to their schools they take on an ambassadorial role and talk to their junior forms and the wider school community about their experiences in the program with a view of encouraging students to consider the study of school science subjects and ultimately follow a career in the sciences.
Unfortunately the Royal Society was unable to obtain sponsorship for the planned January 2011 program, and is now hoping to reschedule it for 2012, or possibly 2013. The 2011 plan was for a program with a Burke and Wills theme - read more...
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July-November 2011
Although a Commission of Enquiry was held at the end of 1861 to investigate the outcome of the Expedition, no coronial enquiry was undertaken at the time to determine the exact cause of the deaths of Burke and Wills. A coroner is stageing a formal enquiry (unofficial, as the deaths occurred more than 100 years ago) into the deaths of Robert O'Hara Burke, William John Wills and Charley Gray who died 150 years ago in 1861. This is a full forensic investigation into the various theories that have been put forward as to why and how they died, with evidence taken from witnesses in the form of historians who refer to the extensive records of the expedition, and technical experts possessing the latest medical and scientific knowledge. Witnesses include General Peter Cosgrove (Ret), Dr Darrell Lewis (Australian National Museum), Mr Dave Phoenix (President, Burke and Wills Historical Society), Dr Greg Parkinson (Physiologist), Assoc Prof Ian Clark (University of Ballarat) and Dr Peter Thorne (Royal Society of Victoria).
The Royal Society of Victoria is an active participant in the organisation of this event.
Opening event: 30 June 2011
On Thursday 30th June, a Memorial Dinner was held at the Royal Society of Victoria, at which the process of the Enquiry was explained.
Mock inquest: 23-24 July 2011
The mock inquest was held on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July in the Legislative Assembly Chamber, Parliament of Victoria.
Findings: October-November 2011
The Coroner's findings will be announced when her investigations are complete. This is expected to take place in October or early November 2011, at about the time of the 150th anniversary of the news of the deaths of the explorers reaching Melbourne in 1861. |
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