Are you a researcher who wants to be a part of some of great community events during 2023 National Science Week?
An integral part of National Science Week is bridging the gap between science and the community. We invite passionate scientists to contribute to the week, and engage and inspire new audiences at a range of family-focused and adult events held at local libraries and other organisations this year.
*UPDATE * This opportunity is now closed for 2023. Please make sure you subscribe to our newsletter so your receive information about 2024 dates.
Why get involved?
With recent renewed interest in scientific discovery sparked by developments in artificial intelligence, there are many people who are interested in hearing and meeting scientists from government, universities or research institutions.
Science communication to the public is an important way to spread knowledge and convey the importance of research. We also know it contributes to broader support for research funding.
As many of National Science Week events are family or youth orientated, they are an opportunity to inspire the next generation of scientists. With just over half of year 12 students studying a field of science, there is a projected shortage of workers with STEM skills in Australia. One impressionable interaction with a researcher or scientific professional can be the pivotal moment in encouraging them to pursue science.
If you are eager to share your fascinating work or industry with the wider community, National Science Week has many opportunities for you to develop your public presentation skills and become a role model for young aspiring scientists.
Whether you are a PhD student or have been in your field for many years, we encourage expertise of all levels to get involved! Read the options below and fill out the EOI form by 5pm Wednesday 12 July.
2023 National Science Week Opportunities
There are several opportunities across Sydney, including at Western Sydney Parklands and Parramatta, as well as Newcastle this year.
(Note that some details for the events have not yet been finalised, and are subject to change)
1. Western Sydney Parklands – Science in the Scrub at Lizard Log
When: Sunday 13 August
Event time: 11.00 – 3.00pm
Audience: Diverse range with a focus on families
Commitment and requirements: We ask for speakers to commit to two hours within the event timeframe. You are to engage with families by providing a simple demonstration or interactive display. We will have a ‘Meet the Scientist’ stall set up specifically for this. As part of the demonstration, scientists will interact with the audience.
2022 website: https://www.westernsydneyparklands.com.au/things-to-do/science-in-the-scrub-2022/
2. Wallsend Library, Newcastle – Meet a Scientist sessions
When: Sunday 13 August
Event time: 12:00 – 2:00pm
Audience: High school students enquiring about careers, and primary school students with their families.
Commitment and requirements: The event will involve a 2-hour casual informal (free) pizza lunch, where each scientist will be allocated a table and partake in conversation with attendees as they move around. Scientists will not need to prepare any formal presentation but will be encouraging students to pursue science and their passions. Displays and interactive items are highly encouraged.
Website: https://www.scienceweek.net.au/event/lift-off-at-wallsend-library/wallsend/
3. Family Science Day at Parramatta, PHIVE & Parramatta Square – Speed Meet a Scientist
When: Saturday 19 August
Event time: 10.00 – 3.00pm (Individual sessions will be finalised based on preference and availability)
Audience: Diverse range with a focus on families
Commitment and requirements: ‘Speed Meet a Scientist’ sessions will run indoors for 30-45 minutes with each scientists having their own table and section where they can bring in samples, learning materials, a presentation on their laptop, etc. Participates will be put in groups and rotated twice based on a timer. Speakers will need to arrive 30-45 minutes before their first session to setup.
Website: https://powerhouse.com.au/program/family-science-day-parramatta
4. Woollahra Library, Double Bay, Sydney – Speed Meet a Scientist
When: Saturday 19 August
Event time: 2.00 – 3.45pm
Audience: Diverse range with a focus on school aged children and their families
Commitment and requirements: Speakers will need to arrive at 1.30pm for briefing and preparation, and will be expected to stay until 3.45pm. In 6 minute rotations, you will talk to 6 different families – discussing your expertise and encouraging them in their field of interest. We highly encourage scientists to have physical props or visual/auditory stimulus for participants to explore and make sense of anything technical you may address.
2022 website: https://www.scienceweek.net.au/event/woollahra-libraries-speed-meet-a-scientist/double-bay/
5. Centennial Parklands, Sydney – Science in the Swamp
When: Sunday 20 August
Event time: 11.00 – 3.00pm
Audience: Diverse range with a focus on families
Commitment and requirements: Scientists are expected to commit 2 hours within the timeframe of the event, taking turns in presentation. As part of your presentation, provide a simple demonstration or display that families can interact with for a few minutes at a time. Scientists can also participate in short interview on stage throughout the day. We highly encourage you to apply for the Western Sydney Parklands event if this event interests you also!
2022 website: https://www.centennialparklands.com.au/whatson/science-in-the-swamp/science-in-the-swamp-map-and-program
Future Science Talks is an ongoing series looking for more presenters in the lead up to, and during National Science Week. There are a number of dates available before and after this as well, so please indicate on the form if you are interested in the concept and we’ll connect you.
6. Future Science Talks: Comedy Edition
Where: East Village Sydney, 234 Palmer St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
When: Wednesday 2, Wednesday 9 and Thursday 17 August
Event time: 7 to 8.30pm
Audience: Young people and adults (Licensed venue)
Commitment: Free training program starting Sunday 9 July with a comedian and a presentation trainer. Present for 10 minutes, with slides, and take part in a Q & A. Five presenters each night. Hosted by Future Science Talks & Sydney Comedy School
Other notes: This event is ticketed from $10 (earlybird tickets).
Website: https://www.sydneycomedyschool.com.au/science-comedy
Sign me up!
If any of the above opportunities interested you, please fill out the EOI form https://forms.office.com/r/Awtvtebik0 with your information and availability asap. We will be in contact shortly after. EOIs close at 5pm Wednesday 12 July.
If you not available for the listed activities, but are still eager to participate, please select the ‘Other’ option, and we will be in contact if any other opportunities during National Science Week arise.
Please contact us by email if you have other questions inspiringnsw@sydney.edu.au
Are you a researcher who wants to be a part of some of great community events during 2023 National Science Week?
An integral part of National Science Week is bridging the gap between science and the community. We invite passionate scientists to contribute to the week, and engage and inspire new audiences at a range of family-focused and adult events held at local libraries and other organisations this year.
*UPDATE * This opportunity is now closed for 2023. Please make sure you subscribe to our newsletter so your receive information about 2024 dates.
Why get involved?
With recent renewed interest in scientific discovery sparked by developments in artificial intelligence, there are many people who are interested in hearing and meeting scientists from government, universities or research institutions.
Science communication to the public is an important way to spread knowledge and convey the importance of research. We also know it contributes to broader support for research funding.
As many of National Science Week events are family or youth orientated, they are an opportunity to inspire the next generation of scientists. With just over half of year 12 students studying a field of science, there is a projected shortage of workers with STEM skills in Australia. One impressionable interaction with a researcher or scientific professional can be the pivotal moment in encouraging them to pursue science.
If you are eager to share your fascinating work or industry with the wider community, National Science Week has many opportunities for you to develop your public presentation skills and become a role model for young aspiring scientists.
Whether you are a PhD student or have been in your field for many years, we encourage expertise of all levels to get involved! Read the options below and fill out the EOI form by 5pm Wednesday 12 July.
2023 National Science Week Opportunities
There are several opportunities across Sydney, including at Western Sydney Parklands and Parramatta, as well as Newcastle this year.
(Note that some details for the events have not yet been finalised, and are subject to change)
1. Western Sydney Parklands – Science in the Scrub at Lizard Log
When: Sunday 13 August
Event time: 11.00 – 3.00pm
Audience: Diverse range with a focus on families
Commitment and requirements: We ask for speakers to commit to two hours within the event timeframe. You are to engage with families by providing a simple demonstration or interactive display. We will have a ‘Meet the Scientist’ stall set up specifically for this. As part of the demonstration, scientists will interact with the audience.
2022 website: https://www.westernsydneyparklands.com.au/things-to-do/science-in-the-scrub-2022/
2. Wallsend Library, Newcastle – Meet a Scientist sessions
When: Sunday 13 August
Event time: 12:00 – 2:00pm
Audience: High school students enquiring about careers, and primary school students with their families.
Commitment and requirements: The event will involve a 2-hour casual informal (free) pizza lunch, where each scientist will be allocated a table and partake in conversation with attendees as they move around. Scientists will not need to prepare any formal presentation but will be encouraging students to pursue science and their passions. Displays and interactive items are highly encouraged.
Website: https://www.scienceweek.net.au/event/lift-off-at-wallsend-library/wallsend/
3. Family Science Day at Parramatta, PHIVE & Parramatta Square – Speed Meet a Scientist
When: Saturday 19 August
Event time: 10.00 – 3.00pm (Individual sessions will be finalised based on preference and availability)
Audience: Diverse range with a focus on families
Commitment and requirements: ‘Speed Meet a Scientist’ sessions will run indoors for 30-45 minutes with each scientists having their own table and section where they can bring in samples, learning materials, a presentation on their laptop, etc. Participates will be put in groups and rotated twice based on a timer. Speakers will need to arrive 30-45 minutes before their first session to setup.
Website: https://powerhouse.com.au/program/family-science-day-parramatta
4. Woollahra Library, Double Bay, Sydney – Speed Meet a Scientist
When: Saturday 19 August
Event time: 2.00 – 3.45pm
Audience: Diverse range with a focus on school aged children and their families
Commitment and requirements: Speakers will need to arrive at 1.30pm for briefing and preparation, and will be expected to stay until 3.45pm. In 6 minute rotations, you will talk to 6 different families – discussing your expertise and encouraging them in their field of interest. We highly encourage scientists to have physical props or visual/auditory stimulus for participants to explore and make sense of anything technical you may address.
2022 website: https://www.scienceweek.net.au/event/woollahra-libraries-speed-meet-a-scientist/double-bay/
5. Centennial Parklands, Sydney – Science in the Swamp
When: Sunday 20 August
Event time: 11.00 – 3.00pm
Audience: Diverse range with a focus on families
Commitment and requirements: Scientists are expected to commit 2 hours within the timeframe of the event, taking turns in presentation. As part of your presentation, provide a simple demonstration or display that families can interact with for a few minutes at a time. Scientists can also participate in short interview on stage throughout the day. We highly encourage you to apply for the Western Sydney Parklands event if this event interests you also!
2022 website: https://www.centennialparklands.com.au/whatson/science-in-the-swamp/science-in-the-swamp-map-and-program
Future Science Talks is an ongoing series looking for more presenters in the lead up to, and during National Science Week. There are a number of dates available before and after this as well, so please indicate on the form if you are interested in the concept and we’ll connect you.
6. Future Science Talks: Comedy Edition
Where: East Village Sydney, 234 Palmer St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
When: Wednesday 2, Wednesday 9 and Thursday 17 August
Event time: 7 to 8.30pm
Audience: Young people and adults (Licensed venue)
Commitment: Free training program starting Sunday 9 July with a comedian and a presentation trainer. Present for 10 minutes, with slides, and take part in a Q & A. Five presenters each night. Hosted by Future Science Talks & Sydney Comedy School
Other notes: This event is ticketed from $10 (earlybird tickets).
Website: https://www.sydneycomedyschool.com.au/science-comedy
Sign me up!
If any of the above opportunities interested you, please fill out the EOI form https://forms.office.com/r/Awtvtebik0 with your information and availability asap. We will be in contact shortly after. EOIs close at 5pm Wednesday 12 July.
If you not available for the listed activities, but are still eager to participate, please select the ‘Other’ option, and we will be in contact if any other opportunities during National Science Week arise.
Please contact us by email if you have other questions inspiringnsw@sydney.edu.au
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