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RiAus
The Science Exchange, Exchange Place
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA
Officially opened October 8, 2009
For directions, use this map
Our Vision
The Royal Institution of Australia brings science to people and people to science
The RiAus will bring the findings of science to society and foster informed debate on the issues raised by science and technology in the broad. It is committed to the principle that appreciation of science is fundamental to the culture of each citizen, taking its place alongside art, music, theatre and an understanding of civic responsibility.
In addition to engaging the general community, RiAus seeks to encourage young people to discover the opportunities in science (careers and intellectual stimulation) from an early age. To that end it will assist educators to provide stimulating and sustainable learning experiences.
Drawing upon two centuries of tradition at The Royal Institution of Great Britain (RiGB) and its recent renaissance, RiAus will develop a distinctive Australian style. Based in Adelaide, it will have a national presence with non-exclusive special relationships in each State. Recognising the intrinsic international nature of science, RiAus will also pursue appropriate international linkages.
It is understood that different approaches will be required for different dialogues but that all RiAus communication must provide responsible, unbiased information. As well as providing opportunities for the public in general, it will be important to offer more intimate meetings with opinion formers. RiAus will also progressively develop a capacity for program delivery in areas related to science and technology where there is a perceived public need demonstrated by the provision of external funding.
Our Mission
The mission of the RiAus is to make science more central to society, so that it can take its proper place at the heart of all our lives and thus inspire the next generation.
Helping science to escape from its ivory tower, it will promote scientific knowledge for the advancement of the arts and society, and will foster an appreciation of science as a creative cultural endeavour. At the same time it will increase public input into scientific research and policy agendas by creating a vehicle for real dialogue among policy-makers, the general public and the scientific community. It will help foster a scientifically literate community that understands the relevance of science, engineering and technology to everyday life and is open to education and career choices in these areas.
Leading the way, as the RiGB's first international affiliate, the RiAus will facilitate diverse forums for scientists, engineers, students, educators, media, business, government, industry and the community to learn about and discuss the promises and challenges of science in shaping our future. This participation leads to engagement, thus facilitating cultural change. The RiAus will present a modern, vibrant program of science-focused activities, many of which were initiated by Baroness Greenfield during her Adelaide residencies, while assuming the status of a prestigious internationally recognised Institution.
The RiAus will mobilise innovative methodologies and state-of-the-art communication technologies to deliver its programs across Australia, recognising the shift from the role of 'central institution' to distributed networks of global research and development activity. The RiAus aims to democratise science by providing diverse forums for our brightest science researchers and educators to promote and celebrate their work, passions and knowledge within the broader community.
It aims to foster a scientifically literate community that understands the relevance of science, engineering and technology to their everyday lives, thus influencing education and career choices in these areas of opportunity.
