The event will be presented by members of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems, based at University of Melbourne’s School of Physics.
The TMOS outreach team — which includes Shepparton’s own scientist Saban Sulejman — is trying to make science accessible and engaging for people interested and passionate about STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
The event on Sunday, June 5, runs from 1pm to 3pm and attendees will be able to replicate some of the historical experiments which led to some of the biggest discoveries in light science.
Dr Sulejman, a Lift Off Education Scholarship recipient from the Greater Shepparton Foundation, will present at the session.
“We are thrilled to support this event and couldn’t be prouder of Shaban and his achievements,” Greater Shepparton Foundation chief executive Cheryl Hammer said.
“Our scholarships aim to provide equal opportunity to participate and to enable local young people to reach their educational goals and dreams.
“With every contact we have with him he is growing in confidence and emerging as a positive role model for other young people.
“The event is a great opportunity to inspire more future leaders and innovators in our community.”
The session will involve a group presentation with demonstrations, followed by break-out practical workshops and opportunities to network with working scientists.
Dr Sulejman was looking forward to getting out among the community to break down barriers to STEM that might be an intimidating or overwhelming area of inquiry for some people.
“If one person is inspired then we’ve done our job,” he said.