August 2023 - Plastics

Since the first plastics were synthesised in the 1800s, a problem has been quietly brewing for the world: what do we do with all the plastic waste? With more than 50% of all plastic ever made having been produced between 2004-2023, the scale of the problem is increasing at an exponential rate. In this edition, we look at some of the problems micro- and macro-plastics are causing, and what needs to be done both now and long term to solve these problems that we have created.
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With research predominately publicly funded in Australia, much of the work and study is focused on scientific advancement, publications, and securing grants – rather than ‘science’ as a commercial product or service. In this edition we look at the intersection of Science & Business, and some of the ways that science and scientists are succeeding in the market.
Victoria is home to a diverse range of environments, which vary based on factors like local climate, water availability, elevation, geology, geomorphology, soils, and others. In turn, these environments are home to different ecosystems, comprising all manner of life that have lived in these niches for centuries. This month, we take a look at some of these different ecosystems, and how we might value and protect them.