ANZAAS in Tasmania

Over the years since the foundation in 1888 of the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science, later the Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science, Tasmania has played a strong supporting role in the Association's activities.

Congress meetings have traditionally been the major activity of ANZAAS. Tasmania first hosted in 1892 the fourth such Congress held and since then others were hosted in 1902 and 1928, these followed, post World War II, by larger Congresses held in 1965, 1976 and 1990, all in Hobart. Particularly in these latter Congresses the important roles of ANZAAS in advancing science in the community were recognised through the support both financially and in other ways by both the Tasmanian Government and the University of Tasmania.

In recognition of the success of the 1976 Congress ANZAAS Council subsequently agreed to the formation of a Tasmanian Division in 1978 and the Division has operated since in providing from time to time forum type meetings on issues of relevance, these with an accompanying publication of the papers presented. As examples, the last such meetings held in Hobart have been: Underwater Life in the Port Davey Region (1997). Tasmania and the Southern Ocean (1998) - a two-day symposium*. Through Traffic in Central Hobart and Options (2003)*. *Copies of these publications are available for purchase at $5 each.

Commencing with the 1976 Congress, ANZAAS in Tasmania has been in active in supporting youth-related science activities. No less than 500 secondary school students attended a special program at the 1976 Congress while in 1998 Tasmania hosted Youth ANZAAS 1998, which was attended by students from the States and the Northern Territory and from New Zealand, on the occasion of the Southern Oceans Symposium.

ANZAAS Tasmanian Division has undertaken in recent years to continue to support youth science education as a priority area in its activities related to the particular needs of this State.

To this end it currently provides annually from its own funds, these derived in part from its past successful Congresses and Meetings, the following:

• Teacher Awards in three categories of secondary school science, namely at Junior, Intermediate and Senior levels, these made in connection with the annual Tasmanian Science Talent Search competition of the Tasmanian Science Teachers Association.
• Financial contributions towards the overseas travel Bursary awards to those Tasmanian Year 12 students selected to represent Australia at the Science and Mathematics Olympiads and the International Youth Science Forums. These awards are made in cooperation with the Royal Society of Tasmania together with associated scientific organizations.
• Selection of Tasmanian students and assistance where needed to attend Youth ANZAAS Conferences.
• Participation in Science Week related activities in Tasmania. In 2007 the Division conducted a State-wide essay competition, at Intermediate and Senior School secondary levels offered with prizes of $100 each, on the topic 'Climate Change - Fact or Fiction'
• It has established a Tasmanian Youth Science Trust Fund toward these ends.

The Division cordially welcomes your support for these and other activities through membership of the Association.

Please contact the Secretary at the following address for further information:

Dr. Peter Smith,

55 Lipscombe Avenue,

Sandy Bay, Tasmania 7005.

Phone/Fax: (03)6225 1067.