Questacon and Japan Celebrate 20 Years

9 September 2008

Questacon continues to celebrate its 20th anniversary year with the opening today of a new exhibition.

The exhibition from Japan’s National Institute of Polar Research is the latest in a series of events to celebrate Questacon’s 20th anniversary and explores the research role of the Japanese icebreaker The Shirase.

Following this exhibition, Questacon will welcome several more exhibitions and events. Highlights include: exhibitions by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology; a science performers exchange and a visit to Questacon by Japan’s last remaining Karakuri master.

“Questacon welcomes the opportunity to celebrate and strengthen our ongoing relationship with Japan in our 20th Anniversary year through these exciting and collaborative events.

“During the upcoming events, visitors to Questacon will gain an insight into science and technology in Japan. Visitors will also have an opportunity to learn more about the topics explored in the exhibitions during free presentations by Japanese and Australian experts,” said Questacon Director Graham Durant.

“Questacon and Japan share a common interest in encouraging innovation. We are delighted that these upcoming events will give visitors to Questacon an opportunity to experience an innovative Japan and areas of collaboration between our two countries,” said His Excellency Mr Takaaki Kojima, Ambassador of Japan.

Questacon opened in 1988 as a joint Australia-Japan Bicentennial Project. The Japanese Government and business community contributed half the cost of the building, the headquarters for Questacon’s national and international operations.

This year, Questacon, Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre, celebrates 20 years of inspiring people of all ages to develop an interest in science. Questacon is a major innovator in informal learning and presents scientific concepts in an accessible and entertaining way that encourages visitors to explore the fascinating world of science.

Several of these events are made possible with the support of The Australia-Japan Foundation, a bilateral foundation, established in 1976 to strengthen the Australia-Japan relationship across a broad range of areas including, education, culture and business.