Innovation Internet > Sections > About DIISR > Fact Sheets > Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre Fact Sheet
 
 
 
 
 
 


(Last Reviewed :  22/06/2010 )

www.questacon.edu.au

KEY POINTS

  • Questacon – Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre opened in 1988 and is prominently located beside Lake Burley Griffin in the Parliamentary Zone in Canberra.
  • Questacon’s aim is to foster understanding and engagement in science and technology and to highlight the importance of science, technology and innovation to Australia’s future prosperity.
  • Questacon is a national leader in presenting world class creative, interactive science exhibitions and programs.
  • Questacon is internationally acknowledged as the world leader in science outreach programs to rural, remote and Indigenous communities. Outreach programs target a range of audiences, and have been developed to support national education priorities in Indigenous education, mathematics, early childhood, primary science and teacher support.
  • The Science Connections Program (SCOPE) transferred to the Questacon Division on 1 July 2009, bringing with it responsibility for the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science and National Science Week.
  • On 8 February 2010, the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research launched the Inspiring Australia - A National Strategy for Engagement with the Sciences report.

FACTS AND FIGURES

  • Questacon first opened in the old Ainslie School building in 1980. In 1988 Questacon opened in its current building in Parkes as the National Science and Technology Centre.
  • Over seven million visitors to Questacon in Canberra since opening in 1988 and over 15 million visitors to travelling exhibition or outreach program.
  • The Questacon centre has seven themed exhibition galleries with over 200 hands-on, interactive exhibits.
  • In 2010, The Shell Questacon Science Circus is celebrating its 25th anniversary of touring an outreach program across Australia.
  • Questacon is a multiple award winning cultural institution.
    Questacon’s awards include:
    • Multiple winner of Canberra and Capital Region Tourism Awards.
    • Winner of the 2009 Qantas Australian Tourism Award in the ‘Tourist Attractions’ Category.
    • Best Tourist Attraction Award at the Out in Canberra and Australian Hotels Association 2009.