Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) invites you to participate in a free panel discussion during National Science Week on the topic of health, risk and making informed choices.
In partnership with RMIT University, Risky business or worried well? The science of what and why we fear will be held at 6pm on Tuesday, 16 August, at Kaleide Theatre, Swanston Street, Melbourne.
People attending in person are encouraged to register their place as seats are limited.
The event will also be live-streamed on EPA’s website at www.epa.vic.gov.au/ScienceWeek2016 and online participants can ask questions via email or Twitter, using the #riskywellness hashtag.
EPA’s Health Risk Advisor, Victor Kabay said health advice comes from a range of sources and it can often be difficult for people to consider potential risks and make informed choices.
‘The discussion will be about navigating the common difficulties people have in weighing up available evidence and sorting fact from fiction in their quest for health and wellness,’ Dr Kabay said.
‘Why do some people turn away from soy milk but happily reach for a glass of wine? Or ride a bicycle for fitness despite the potential for an accident?’ he said.
‘There are levels of risk in almost everything, but how we assess those risks can often be skewed by conflicting information, fear, or personal biases.’
Dr Kabay said the panel would discuss questions around chemicals, carcinogens, communication and how to make informed decisions amidst uncertainty.
‘We hope people leave the discussion feeling more comfortable about weighing up risks,’ he said.
Hosted by science journalist and presenter Tanya Ha, the discussion brings together a panel of experts in health and environmental risk, communication and media, including:
• Dr Victor Kabay – Human Health Risk Advisor, EPA Victoria
• Professor Linda Brennan – School of Media and Communication, RMIT University
• Dr Libby Rumpff – School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne
• Andrew Masterson – author and journalist.
Tanya Ha is an award-winning environmentalist, author and television presenter, having previously worked on ABC TV’s respected science show Catalyst.
Dr Kabay said the addition of live-streaming was a first for EPA and meant the event was accessible to people throughout Victoria, regardless of whether they lived or worked in Melbourne.
Further information about participating online will be available at www.epa.vic.gov.au/ScienceWeek2016 on the day of the panel discussion.
National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology, with thousands of individuals taking part in more than 1000 science events across the nation.
During Science Week (13–21 August) EPA is also hosting a hands-on information session about microplastics – tiny pieces of plastic pollution found in Victoria’s waterway – at St Kilda Beach.
Further information about the microplastics event is available on EPA’s website.