We were so excited to share that we were reached 100,000 people since 2012! But here was the event that put us over the line!

Thank you to Joy and Chamodi for helping us reach 100,000 people.

Young Science Ambassador Joy Seitanidou filled in as a Flying Scientist for the World Science Festival Gladstone event. She was accompanied by QUT Young Science Ambassador Chamodi Fernando.

Across the two days they spoke to a total of 3233 students and community members about their research withing the medical field. The scientists also ran STEM activities including a build your own virus activity and an acids and base activity. Joy and Chamodi both had extensive discussions with attendees about what it was that ignited their passion and interest in STEM. They also provided advice on career opportunities in STEM fields. This event also marked 100,000 people reached for Wonder of Science since 2012.

Joy had the following to say about the event: '' Participating in the WSF at Gladstone was a truly unique experience compared to my previous involvement in similar science outreach programs. The festival provided an invaluable opportunity to communicate my research to a diverse audience (spanning ages from 5 to 60+), enabling engaging discussions about the ways scientific advancements can enhance the health and safety of our community. However, my most rewarding moments came from interacting with younger students during the workshop activities, where a seemingly simple task like building a model of a protein ignited curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking among the participants. I am thankful that the Wonder of Science participated in the WSF and I was allowed to be part of it. Now all I am thinking of is when the WSF takes place next year! ''

Young Science Ambassador Chamodi Fernando said: “I am thrilled that all the experience I gained from the WoS program was amazing. I participated in the World Science Festival Gladstone, in which I helped to reach over 100, 000 people as a YSA. I found good opportunities to inspire not only students but also their parents on STEM.”

The Flying Scientists program is provided in partnership with the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist (OQCS). The Flying Scientists are early-mid career researchers who accompany Young Science Ambassadors into regional Queensland centres for community Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) awareness events. The program has been developed to address the shortage of science-related events convened outside South East Queensland — see the survey reports commissioned by OQCS which highlight this here: Queenslanders’ perceptions of science | Office of Queensland Chief Scientist.