Scientists don’t necessarily prefer to be hidden away in the laboratory.

Today and tomorrow, October 24-24, Southern Cross University (SCU) research students will present their research and participate in workshops that challenge the idea that scientists work in secret. 

They are taking part in RISE 2019 – a free conference that invites interested community members to come along to the Lismore Campus and hear what the latest research intended for use by the community is.

SCU PhD candidate Laura Stoltenberg said “a lot of science is behind a paywall”.

“It’s good to make it more accessible and more understanding,” she said. 

Laura presented her research on the dissolution of coral reef settlements to a colourful crowd at the Splendour in the Grass science tent this year.

“It’s important to be transparent about it and show a broader audience what we’re doing,” she said.

‘Together We Go Further’ is the theme of the conference that will bring 42 postgraduate students together to collaborate and share the highs and the lows and supporting each other.

SCU RISE 2019 conference chair and PhD researcher Gloria Reithmaier said “communication and collaboration is just as important as the research”.

“One of my personal conference highlights is the discussion panel ‘Cooperation 101’, which brings together experts working in interdisciplinary research, industry, NGOs, and the government,” she said.

Researcher Kirsty Langdon will present ‘Nutting out Macadamia genetics’.

Her research will ultimately assist macadamia farmers to breed the beloved nuts – native to the Northern Rivers and recently domesticated – in changing climates.

Rick Tate will share his insights on his collaborative research on Smart Drumlines which are being trialled in six locations along Australia’s east coast as a method to reduce stress on white sharks when captured.

Jordanna Hinton has recently returned from Fiji where she was immersed with beekeepers, NGOs and researchers.

She will talk about the importance of beekeeping for development.

PhD candidate Sophie Pryor said “what is the point of asking all these big questions if we can’t do something with the information”.

Sophie is presenting about the effects of ocean temperature on sea anemones, and the impact of climate change.

“When I’m writing presentations, I try to imagine if my 10-year old cousin will understand it,” she said.

“Science needs to be accessible so that people can be inspired to say, ‘I know something I didn’t know before and I’m going to do something about it’.”  

RISE 2019 details:

Date: Wednesday and Thursday, October 23 and 24

Time: 9:30am - 5.30pm Wednesday and 9:00am - 3:00pm Thursday

Venue: U Block Lecture theatre, Southern Cross University, Military Road, Lismore.