Inspiring the ACT

Inspiring the ACT Inspiring the ACT aims to increase science engagement for the general public across Canberra.

28/08/2026

We interviewed local science communicators at our National Science Week launch event this August. Check out what they had to say in this series of short video posts.

Dr. Anthony Willis is the Executive Director at the Australian Council of Deans of Science. He couldn't have said it better 'science is fundamental to everything that happens in Australian society". For those that choose to study science at University, many are drawn to the 'problem solving' aspect that makes science so rewarding. Dr. Willis points out that science communication is critical to bring along others and explain which problems science is solving and how the outcomes benefit us all.

Many thanks to the whole team at the Agrifood Innovation Institute for hosting such a vibrant event for National Science Week and particularly to Thomas Davis for capturing and editing these videos.

27/08/2026

We interviewed local science communicators at our National Science Week launch event this August. Check out what they had to say in this series of short video posts.

Will Howard was, until recently, the lead Scientist at the Climate Change Authority. Science concepts and data sit behind many important government policies and strategic directions . In Canberra we are fortunate to have many credentialed scientists working in strategic policy areas. Now that Will has more time available he can continue to innovate in important areas such as carbon removal. Widespread adoption of such innovations will involve effective science communication among peers and other stakeholders. It's fascinating to think about the many modes of science communication, both internally and to external audiences.

Many thanks to the whole team at the Agrifood Innovation Institute for hosting such a vibrant event for National Science Week and particularly to Thomas Davis for capturing and editing these videos. More to come in posts over the next few days!

26/08/2026

We interviewed local science communicators at our National Science Week launch event this August. Check out what they had to say in this series of short video posts.

Meet Jasmine Fellows, an expert science communicator and science journalist at the ANU Centre for the Public Awareness of Science CPAS and Refraction Media. Thank you Jasmine for highlighting the importance of trustworthy science journalism, and congratulations on being named a finalist in the 2026 ACT Women’s Awards! Read all about Jasmine's work in the recent HerCanberra piece:
https://hercanberra.com.au/life/people/act-womens-awards-2026-jasmine-fellows/

Many thanks to the whole team at the Agrifood Innovation Institute for hosting such a vibrant event for National Science Week and particularly to Thomas Davis for capturing and editing these videos. More to come in posts over the next few days!

25/08/2026

We interviewed local science communicators at our National Science Week launch event this August. Check out what they had to say in this series of short video posts.

Masoud Varjavandi runs SFC Films (Space Faring Civilisation Films) and is a big fan of 'hopeful imagining', using art and film to prompt audiences to think about the possibilities that science brings to life.
Did you catch Masoud's film festival on the weekend? If so, let us know what you thought in the comments below.

Many thanks to the whole team at the Agrifood Innovation Institute for hosting such a vibrant event for National Science Week and particularly to Thomas Davis for capturing and editing these videos. More to come in posts over the next few days!

24/08/2026

We interviewed local science communicators at our National Science Week launch event this August. Check out what they had to say in this series of short video posts.

Thank you to Professor Jason Sharples at UNSW Canberra for serving as the 2026 ACT National Science Week Ambassador. Professor Sharples' work helps us understand bushfires better and protect against harms and damage arising from these natural disasters. Professor Sharples highlighted how science communication can help protect us against misinformation and contribute to better decision making in light of such important issues.

Learn more about Professor Sharples work here: https://www.unsw.edu.au/staff/jason-sharples

Many thanks to the whole team at the Agrifood Innovation Institute for hosting such a vibrant event for National Science Week and particularly to Thomas Davis for capturing and editing these videos. More to come in posts over the next few days!

Learn all about reptiles at Cooleman Court Shopping Centre today!Peter is Canberra’s local reptile expert. He runs belov...
21/08/2026

Learn all about reptiles at Cooleman Court Shopping Centre today!

Peter is Canberra’s local reptile expert. He runs beloved local institution, the Canberra Reptile Zoo and he is extremely knowledgeable on local reptiles as well as more exotic ones.

Peter and his team are bringing the reptiles to YOU just for National Science Week! If you can’t make it to Cooleman today you can find them at the Canberra Centre tomorrow.

21/08/2026

We interviewed local science communicators at our National Science Week launch event this August. Check out what they had to say in this series of short video posts.

Meet Dr. Chloe Lim, scientist turned info-tainer. Chloe uses creativity to engage kids on different science topics. For National Science Week this year she designed a program all about nutritious eating celebrating colourful fruits and vegies. You can catch Chloe at the Kippax Uniting Church hall tomorrow, 22 August.

https://www.scienceweek.net.au/event/foodie-fun-play/holt/
Twistyfic

Many thanks to the whole team at the Agrifood Innovation Institute for hosting such a vibrant event last week and particularly to Thomas Davis for capturing and editing these videos. More to come in posts over the next few days!

21/08/2026

We interviewed local science communicators at our National Science Week launch event this August. Check out what they had to say in this series of short video posts.

Abigail and SJ were performers in the wildly successful "Rock Hard - The Geological Cabaret" show, written and performed by Dr. Karina Judd. Two sellout shows were held at Canberra Theatre Centre last weekend.

This weekend SJ is facilitating a Wikipedia edit-a-thon, carrying out the important work to update articles covering diverse contributions to science. If you have always wondered about the community of editors that sit behind Wikipedia then drop in and learn all about it in a casual setting.

https://www.scienceweek.net.au/event/inclusive-biographies-in-stemm-project-a-mini-wiki-hackathon/acton/

Many thanks to the whole team at the Agrifood Innovation Institute for hosting such a vibrant event last week and particularly to Thomas Davis for capturing and editing these videos. More to come in posts over the next few days!

20/08/2026

We interviewed local science communicators at our National Science Week launch event this August. Check out what they had to say in this series of short video posts.

First up, thank you to Alana Gatley from Questacon for running a great pop up stall at Westfield Belconnen last weekend. Questacon are also running an interactive event with the Australian Federal Police this coming Saturday. Head to their website for all the details.

https://www.questacon.edu.au/whats-on/events/afp-x-questacon-national-science-week-2026

ACT National Science Week 2026 is coming to a shopping centre near you! This is your chance to engage with the community...
19/05/2026

ACT National Science Week 2026 is coming to a shopping centre near you!
This is your chance to engage with the community, share your expertise, and inspire future scientists with hands-on activities.
We are looking for people to run engaging, hands-on activities within each centre on the weekends during National Science Week (15-23 August). This could be STEM workshops, interactive demonstrations and shows, or hands-on displays, activities and experiments. We are looking for something to entice and excite visitors to the shopping centre, especially targeting families.

Event Details:
📅 Dates: 15-16 and 22-23 August
📍 Locations: Major shopping centres across Canberra
🕙 Times: 10 AM – 4 PM
💰 Cost: FREE participation with basic furniture provided (tables & chairs).

Why Participate?
✅ Reach a new audience – Engage with families and the wider community.
✅ Free promotion and increased brand awareness – Your activity will be marketed by the ACT National Science Week committee and shopping centres.
✅ Inspire curiosity – Bring science to life with interactive experiences.

How to Get Involved:
To apply, complete the form below by 5 PM AEST, Wednesday 3 June 2026.

🔗 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XXW7GGY

For any questions, contact the ACT National Science Week Committee at [email protected].
Join us in making science exciting and accessible to all! 🎉🔬

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Canberra City, ACT

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