Melbourne Knowledge Week
21 October 2015 by News Desk
Melbourne Knowledge Week celebrates the ideas and talent often hidden away in the city’s studios, research labs, libraries and universities.
The week-long festival, featuring over 50 events, allows you to discover the latest in robotics and supercomputing, explore behind the scenes at Melbourne’s leading medical institutions, and brainstorm with entrepreneurs.
“Our knowledge industry is driving Melbourne’s economy, with two thirds of our workforce employed in the knowledge sector,” said Knowledge City portfolio Chair Councillor Dr Jackie Watts. “This festival is an opportunity to discover some of the innovations that make Melbourne a leading knowledge city.”
Highlights include:
Up Close and Revealed: Life at the Nanoscale Find out about nanoscale optical sensors, quantum technology, and the ultimate computers from a panel of representatives from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP) and RMIT University. Then tour the new research laboratories which will open their doors to the public for the first time. 7.15am to 8.30am Tuesday 20 October 2015. Free. RMIT University, 455 Swanston Street.
Jobs in the Knowledge Economy: Threat or Opportunity? Technological innovations are celebrated by many but for some it means losing their job. Will being a nimble knowledge worker save you? What skills will you need? How are educational institutions responding? 6pm – 7:30pm Wednesday 21 October 2015, Swanston Hall, Melbourne Town Hall. Panellists include:
Bernard Salt: writer and media commentator; Marcus Westbury: broadcaster, and festival director Sherri Bruinhout: Director of Homelessness and Justice, Melbourne City Mission Dr Janine Dixon: economic modeller, Senior Research Fellow, Centre of Policy Studies, Victoria University Peter Mares: Contributing editor Inside Story, Adjunct Fellow Swinburne Institute for Social Research, writer and journalist.
The future of virtual and augmented reality: Want to experience the future of computers? Come and try virtual and augmented reality for yourself. At this family-friendly event, you’ll be able to check out interactive technology exhibitions, and be part of a discussion in the theoretical side of it all. 6pm – 8pm Thursday 22 October 2015. Drill Hall 26 Therry Street, Melbourne.
The festival runs from 19-25 October and is proudly presented by the City of Melbourne. For more information including a full list of events visit: www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/knowledgeweek
