A citizen science adventure allowing participants to be DNA scientists for a day with the latest biotechnology is heading to regional and remote WA for National Science Week 2024.
Murdoch University’s Harry Butler Institute (HBI) and BioBarcode Australia’s ‘WA Bug Barcode Blitz’ will see citizen scientists collecting, cataloguing and DNA barcoding local insect and spider samples.
Science educator Pauline Charman will lead a virtual 4-hour science lesson in remote communities including Kalumbaru, Looma, Leonora and the regional centres of Albany and Geraldton.
Participants will also hear from Murdoch University spider expert Professor Volker Framenau, who, along with his colleagues, has named several species of spiders – including one after Tom Hardy’s Marvel character, Venom.
HBI’s Associate Professor Rob Emery, fellow of the Royal Entomological Society, will then share his insect expertise.
Ms Charman said the event was exciting for many reasons, and held the potential for new discoveries.
With only 30% of Australian invertebrates having a name, there’s a good chance participants could discover a new species,” Ms Charman said.
“This is a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating world of invertebrates and contribute to crucial conservation efforts.”
Once participants have collected their samples, the DNA will be sent to Perth for genetic sequencing.
Ms Charman said the 2024 theme for National Science Week, ‘Species survival – it’s not just about sustainability’, highlights “the urgent need to identify and catalogue our rich biodiversity to protect it effectively”.
The initiative is made possible through funding from the WA Inspiring Australia grant program, along with sponsorship from the Harry Butler Institute, Australian Genome Research Facility (AGRF), Promega Australia, and Fisher Biotec WA.
For more information, visit the National Science Week website: WA Bug Barcode Blitz 2024.
National Science Week 2024 will run from August 10-18.