Aussie “scientists of the future” flock to Melbourne labs
Melbourne, Australia – June 8, 2016 – Hundreds of Victorian kids will take to the science labs at Monash University’s Clayton campus for the annual BASF Kids’ Lab program, which starts today.
The program, an initiative of global chemical company BASF, locally organised in partnership with Monash University, will run from June 8-10, 2016. It will give more than 750 primary school children hands-on experience conducting safe, colourful chemistry experiments, under the supervision of a team of scientists.
From creating “coloured worms” to making their own sample of slime, the kids will discover how chemistry reacts to form new compounds.
BASF Australia and New Zealand’s Chairman and Managing Director, Ross Pilling, said the program opens kids’ minds to science in a safe and controlled environment.
“Year on year, we’re seeing more schools enroll their students in Kids’ Lab programs around the country. Given the public discussion around STEM studies – science, technology, engineering and maths – over the past few years in Australia, it’s never been a more important time to engage our kids in science. We know that when kids engage in STEM activities at an early age, either at home or at school, they’re more likely to be interested later in life.
Kids’ Lab has been really successful in showing kids how exciting chemistry can be. Who knows, some of these kids may continue on to become some of Australia’s scientists of the future,” he said.
The Head of School for Chemistry at Monash University, Bart Follink, said Monash is pleased to be partnering with BASF for the third consecutive year.
“Held at our labs at Monash, BASF Kids’ Lab is a great opportunity for children to experience science first-hand. We hope to spark an enduring interest in science among those who might well become the scientists and industry leaders of tomorrow.
Children will also gain an insight into how science and industry are working together to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges,” Professor Follink said.
Today marks the start of a series of BASF Kids’ Lab events, with other events being held in conjunction with Curtin University in Perth and the University of Auckland in New Zealand.
About BASF in Australia and New Zealand
BASF posted sales of about €428 million in Australia and New Zealand in 2015, serving key industries in the agriculture, coatings, construction, manufacturing and mining sectors. As of the end of 2015, the company had 442 employees and operated 11 production sites across the sub-region, manufacturing agricultural solutions, performance products and functional materials & solutions. BASF has been active in Australia for more than 90 years, and for about 60 years in New Zealand. Further information is available on the Internet at www.basf.com/au.
About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 112,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of more than €70 billion in 2015. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information at www.basf.com.
Photo opportunities
Photo opportunities are available for media at this event. For more information, please contact Angela Beggs at (03) 8855 6273 or angela.beggs@basf.com.
