Is it easier to grow food on Mars than in the South Australian outback?

Let’s find out! Join scientists from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Plants for Space (P4S), for a fun evening of science and conversation as they explain their mission to grow plants in space, and how that knowledge can be applied to growing food in arid areas.

For National Science Week this year, the Outback Communities Authority is running a series of "Science in the Pub" evenings in the tiny outback communities of Oodnadatta, Andamooka and Copley, on 14, 15 and 16 August.

At these events, audiences will learn about the scientific “missions” or research themes underpinning P4S, and explore ways in which P4S research, technologies and processes could be applied in outback settings to develop innovative means of food production and improve food security.

We chose this topic because of the difficulties that distance and an arid climate present for food security in the outback. Some communities are already tackling this issue with the development of community gardens or other horticultural programs, and this event is aimed at building on those projects with innovative new thinking from cutting-edge scientists.

Science in the Pub events are a great way to talk and learn in a comfortable community environment. They are family-friendly and open to all ages. So please come along, bring your appetite, your questions and your ideas for a leafy green outback!

This project received grant funding through Inspiring Australia – An Australian Government Initiative.