Forensics, Fossils and Fruitbats is a fascinating collection of more than 70 profiles of Australian scientists from 15 fields of physical, biological and medical science. These scientists have been selected because their research is inspiring, intriguing or simply quirky, or because they have taken an unusual or interesting path to the work they do.
Watch this video to learn more about the motivation behind this book, and the story of scientists.
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Listen to a podcast on 4 June 2011 where Stephen Luntz talks about his interests, career, and his book.
Listen to Stephen Luntz interviewed on radio
show Einstein A Go Go, RRR, 6 March 2011.
Forensics, Fossils and Fruitbats is a fascinating collection of more than 70 profiles of Australian scientists from 15 fields of physical, biological and medical science. These scientists have been selected because their research is inspiring, intriguing or simply quirky, or because they have taken an unusual or interesting path to the work they do.
Scientists at all stages of their careers are included, from PhD students through to some who have long retired. Readers will meet scientists who have been honoured as the elite of their fields, as well as many who contribute in the shadows.
Profiles include: a forensic archaeologist whose work has taken her from Antarctica to Pompeii; palaeontologists who revolutionised understanding of Australia’s dinosaurs; the founder of an independent rainforest research centre with a speciality in flying foxes; a computer scientist teaching computers to understand jokes; and the engineer behind technologies that could bring clear sight to a billion people and clean energy to billions more.
For anyone considering a career in science, Forensics, Fossils and Fruitbats provides insight into the challenges and triumphs of being a scientist. For everyone else, it is a rare peek into the reality of how science is done.
It represents a rare insight into the lives of everyday scientists, not just the rare famous figure
It reveals the processes of science, not just the outcomes
For anyone contemplating a career in science it offers insight into what they can expect and some clues about how to pursue their dreams
The profiles are diverse and offer something for almost anyone interested in science, from astronomy and zoology to neuroscience
The featured scientists include:
Dr Fiona Wood (former Australian of the Year) who is famous for her patented invention of spray on skin for burns victims
Professor David Solomon headed the team that produced the polymers used in Australia’s bank notes, including the clear window designed to prevent forgeries
Scott Hocknull is a palaeontologists involved in recently discovering three new species of dinosaurs
High school, and early university, students with an interest in science.
General science readers who are interested in short, readable accounts of current Australian research, offering a taste of what is happening in many diverse fields.
Career guidance teachers and high school science teachers looking for examples with which to inspire students.
"The book can be used as a teacher resource in many ways. lt highlights some of the career options that are open for science students. Individual stories could be described and discussed at the beginning or end of a lesson to provide real-world contexts for science classes. The book is also beneficial as it highlights how the skills that students learn in the classroom can be applied in real-life situations. lt is for this reason, that I have no hesitation in recommending this book as a valuable resource thal has a place in teacher resource libraries."
John Patterson, Teaching Science, Vol 57, No 1, March 2011
As staff writer for Australasian Science since 1998, Stephen Luntz has published over 2000 articles on all areas of Australian and New Zealand science. Since 2002 he has written the 'Cool Scientist' column, the basis for this book. He also runs a business administering elections for nongovernment organisations.
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