What are the scientific research topics that our leading research institutions are excited about?
National Science Week is a time for our universities and affiliated research institutions to showcase their leading science communicators, celebrate their research successes, and provide opportunities for PhD students and early career researchers to talk to the community and inspire a new generation in the possibilities of a STEM career.
There are over 100 researchers involved in events across NSW this year, some for their own institutions, but many in community events in libraries, parklands, gardens, art galleries and cultural institutions.
The University of Sydney ,UNSW Sydney, UTS Sydney and Macquarie University have their fabulous National Science Week events grouped online (thank you!), and below is a curated selection of highlights, grouped by disciplines. We’ll keep updating the list as new events are announced.
Psychology and neuroscience
The UNSW Centre for Ideas knows how to produce engaging science talks that deliver new ideas and the latest research in a concise format, and leave you wanting to find out more. These are two great evening talks, free and open to all on what we know about happiness and depression, with some international guests as well.
Wednesday 16 August Robert Waldinger: Unlocking the Secret to Happiness A special opportunity to hear from Robert Waligner, the lead on the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the most comprehensive longitudinal studies on happiness and ageing. In conversation with Dr Stephanie Ward, Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, UNSW Sydney. Information and bookings
Thursday 17 August Psychedelics: From ‘Magic’ to Medicinal Could psychedelics unlock the answers to managing complex mental health issues including severe depression? Join UNSW research fellow and psychiatrist Dr Adam Bayes, Professor Colleen Loo and Emeritus Professor Wayne Hall in a conversation chaired by the ABC’s All In the Mind host, Sana Qadar. Information and bookings
Location: Science Theatre, UNSW Sydney
As part of Sydney Science Festival, the Westmead Institute of Medical Research (WIMR) has a great day time program of talks with some fascinating topics this year, hosted by Nina Earl, curator and science communicator at Powerhouse Museum. Free and open to all with bookings required.
Tuesday 15 August Understanding Alzheimer’s Dr Caitlin Finney is a neuroscientist and researcher in the Neuroinflammation Research group at the WIMR. She will discuss her research into Alzheimer’s using a combination of machine-learning models and stem cells turned into 3D models. Information and bookings
Tuesday 15 August Mapping the Human Brain Researcher and postdoctoral fellow at the Brain Dynamics Centre at WIMR, Dr Isabella Breukelaaris, shares the latest advancements in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to explore how brain regions work collectively. Information and bookings
Location: Westmead Institute for Medical Research,Westmead
Thursday 17 August Microdosing and Mental Health Macquarie University cognitive psychologist Dr Vince Polito and journalist Gemma Conroy they discuss the emerging trend of microdosing. Explore the potential mental health benefits of taking sub-perceptual doses of psychedelic substance. Location: Leichhardt Library More information and bookings
Thursday 17 August The connected species Macquarie University cognitive neuroscientist Dr Mark Williams is in conversation with Professor Ronika Power about his new book The Connected Species. They explore our understanding of the evolution of the brain, and why the evolutionary drive for connection needs to be used for the collective good, now more than ever. Location: Ryde Library Information and bookings
Physics, quantum and maths
Monday 14 August National Quantum and Dark Matter Road Trip Curious about dark matter, one of the biggest mysteries of the Universe, and why Australian research is a key player in the quest to figure it out? The National Quantum and Dark Matter Road Trip tours scientists to schools and communities around Australia to explain the science. This year it offers a public lecture with University of Sydney astroparticle physicist, Professor Celine Boehm and a special weekend Demo day. Location: Nanoscience Building, University of Sydney More information and bookings
Tuesday 15 August The mathematics of twisting somersaults Professor of Applied Mathematics at the University of Sydney Holger Dullin explains the maths behind what a space station, a falling cat, and a springboard diver have in common – the ability to reorientate themselves. Location: University of Sydney More information and bookings
The Sydney Mathematical Research Institute at the University of Sydney offers two after-school workshops for high students during National Science Week.
Wednesday 16 August Infinity mathematics workshop Associate Professor of Mathematics Milena Radnovi will explore the mathematics of infinity through discussion and solving problems. More information and bookings
Thursday 17 August Twist and Turn: the arithmetic of ropes PhD Student in the School of Mathematics and Statistics Andy Tran offers one of this popular workshops, exploring the mathematics behind tangles in a combination of hands-on activities and discussions. More information and bookings
Location: University of Sydney
Monday 21 August Lasers: Making Light Work For the 2023 AIP Einstein Lecture Macquarie University’s Professor David Coutts, an expert in photonics, physics and astronomy, will explore how lasers work and some of the amazing things that can be done with them, illustrated by multiple practical demonstrations. Location: Mason Theatre, Macquarie University Wallamattagul Campus, North Ryde More information and bookings
Life Sciences
Wednesday 9 August The New Sciences of Sex and Reproduction New developments in biomedical science have disrupted the formerly tight links between biology and our social practices of categorising people as male and female, parent and child. For the Challis lecture in Philosophy, the University of Sydney and Big Ideas hosts a panel discussion with Paul E. Griffiths, Challis Professor of Philosophy in the School of Humanities and Luara Ferracioli, Associate Professor of Philosophy in the School of Humanities, in conversation with Natasha Mitchell, ABC Radio National’s Big Ideas. Location: Chau Chak Wing Museum, University of Sydney More information and bookings
Saturday 12 August Science of Nature Community Open Day Entomologist and Superstar of STEM Dr Eliza Middleton from University of Sydney will be at this great new family day at Sydney’s urban farm in the middle of Sydney Park. The focus is on biodiversity, and there will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions as well as learn more about the science of nature in urban areas. Location: Sydney City Farm, St Peters More information and bookings
Tuesday 15 August Cell Therapy Dr Kenneth Micklethwaite is a haematologist working in the fields of bone marrow transplant and cell and gene therapy. He will outline the current state of the field of cell therapy innovation in Australia and presents new developments in cellular therapy for the full range of human disease. Location: Westmead Institute of Medical Research More information and bookings
Monday 14 August Rewilding How can we break free from the confines of traditional conservation approaches to landcare, and highlight the power of rewilding our fragile ecosystems – all before it’s too late.? UNSW Sydney’s Director of the Centre for Ecosystem Science, Professor Richard Kingsford, Principal Ecologist for the Wild Deserts project Dr Rebecca West, Scientia Fellow and Associate Professor Katherine Moseby and Lead Researcher for the Platypus Conservation Initiative Dr Gilad Bino, join a panel discussion chaired by journalist Dr Ann Jones. Location: Roundhouse UNSW Sydney More information and bookings
Tuesday 15 August Climate Solutions You Wish You Knew About Join a panel of leading scientists whose research explores the world of plants and the intriguing ways to adapt to and tackle climate change. Professor Michelle Leishman and Professor Neil Saintila from Macquarie University, Associate Professor Katherina Petrou UTS Sydney, and Dr Brett Summerell, Chief Botanist and Director Science, Education and Conservation, Botanic Gardens of Sydney. Location: The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney More information and bookings
Wednesday 16 August Spotlight on Science Environmental scientist Amy Hughes from Macquarie University andlecturer in radiation therapy at Charles Sturt University Craig Opie, join a discussion with other working scientists from different fields to talk about their research and inspirations, in a panel hosted by environmental scientist Dr Ana Rubio. Location: Hornsby Central Library More information and bookings
Wednesday 16 August Wild Innovations To celebrate National Science week, Nights at the Museum will play host to some of the heroes of STEM. In this panel discussion science communicator Lee Constable discusses the latest innovations in wildlife monitoring and wildlife forensics with Dr Greta Frankham, Wildlife Forensic Scientist at the Australian Museum Research Institute, Professor Jonathan Webb, School of Life Sciences at the University of Technology Sydney and Professor Karl Vernes, School of Environmental and Rural Science at the University of New England. Dive into the science of the cryptic lives of wildlife, from drones and sniffer dogs, to camera traps and wildlife forensics. Location: Australian Museum, College St, Sydney More information and bookings
Wednesday 16 August Citizen Science as a Pathway to Nature Exploration and Sustainable Engagement Associate Professor of Ecology Ricky Spencer from Western Sydney University serves as the Co-Leader of the renowned 1 Million Turtles Community Conservation Program. For this Science at the Local talk, he will shed light on how citizen science serves as a gateway for people to explore nature and become active stakeholders in their local communities’ sustainability efforts. More information and bookings
Thursday 17 August Invasion and Extinction Exploring Myrtle Rust, a plant pathogen causing much environmental havoc in Australian native plants, Western Sydney University molecular biologist Mark Temple has programmed a series of events for Powerhouse Up Late. Mark will perform with musicians his sonification of the Myrtle Rust genome, and in panel moderated by Clarence Slockee from Gardening Australia he joins other scientists to discuss the challenges presented by this pathogen Professor Julian Knowles from Macquarie University will also talk and play examples of sonification of real-time weather data. Location: Powerhouse Ultimo More information and bookings
Thursday 17 August Sounds of the Bush – Using acoustic monitoring in fauna conservation In Kyogle a Science in the Pub event launches a citizen scientist project to become involved in a Richmond catchment wide koala monitoring program. Hosted by the Border Ranges Richmond Valley Landcare, it includes presentations from David Newell, an ecologist from Southern Cross University with a long history in using acoustic monitoring devices, Jane Baldwin from the Border Ranges Alliance, Pete Knock, the Large Forest Owls Coordinator with the Nature Conservation Council of NSW and Mark Ambrose, an ecologist from Border Ranges Richmond Valley Landcare. Location: Kyogle Bowling Club More information and bookings
Thursday 17 August Boom or Bust? A dive into the unique sponge fauna of Wallis and Smiths Lakes Professor of Marine Biology from the University of Wollongong Andy Davis will provide some insights into research of the unique sponges that call Wallis and Smiths Lake home. Many of these sponges are likely to be undescribed and new to science. Andy will outline findings of a twenty-year study (2002 to 2022) and will show that some sponge populations in these MidCoast lakes are perhaps best characterised as boom or bust. Location: Pacific Palms Recreation Club, Elizabeth Beach More information and bookings
Friday 18 August Is Antarctic science worth the carbon miles? A public lecture by Professor Dana Bergstrom, a University of Wollongong applied ecologist who has worked at the Australian Antarctic Division for 20 years. Part of the UOW 2023 Science Showcase Events series of events. More information and bookings
Saturday 19 August MicroVision at Wagga Wagga City Library Join lecturer in Environment and Agriculture at Charles Sturt University,Celia Connor, and students from the School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences to discover everyday things that you won’t see every day – without a microscope. Location: Wagga Wagga City Library, 243 Baylis Street, Wagga Wagga More information and bookings
AI and technology
Saturday 12 August Science in the Age of Fake News hosts a panel discussion that will explore how science and fiction can be separated and whether science is being weaponised. With chief Scientist of the AI Institute at UNSW Sydney Professor Toby Walsh. Location: Australian Museum, College St, Sydney More information and bookings
Saturday 12 August Unleashing Creativity in AI: Generative Artificial Intelligence Dr Jack Yang, from the Centre for Artificial Intelligence at the University of Wollongong will share fundamental knowledge to explore the fascinating world of Generative AI. Discover the technology behind Generative AI systems, their applications across industries, and ground-breaking research pushing the boundaries of human-machine collaboration. Location: Jervis Bay Maritime Museum, Huskisson More information and bookings
Wednesday 16 August Artificial Intelligence of Things Macquarie University’s Dr Adnan Mahmood speaks on the paradigm of the Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT), i.e. a marriage of the powerful notions of Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things. The session will discuss the AIoT applications in our daily lives and their potential future. Location: Ryde Library More information and bookings
Chemistry and Materials
The Chau Chau Wing Museum at the University of Sydney have partnered with Sydney Analytical on a wonderful series of floor talks and workshops based on the science behind the scenes at a museum. Find out how incredible advances in science are helping build new understanding of cultural and historic artifacts.
Saturday 12, Sunday 13, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 August Explore Science in the Museum For a series of free participatory workshops on science and cultural heritage over the weekends of National Science Week, scientists from Sydney Analytical and the School of Physics from the University of Sydney will show live demonstrations of scientific equipment and how different techniques can provide valuable information to museums. More information and bookings
Monday 14 August Deadly Entertainment: A museum floor talk Manager of the Sydney Analytical Vibrational Spectroscopy Node Dr Elizabeth Carter will discuss how a team of conservators, chemists and statisticians worked together to develop a protocol used internationally to identify the dangerous film bases of early cinema and photographic film. More information and bookings
Tuesday 15 August Up Close and Personal with the Past: Nanoscale Analysis of Artefacts What can specks of dust and pollen tell us about objects? PhD candidate in the School of Physics Sophie Cottam will explain how powerful microscopes enable a greater ability to understand the origins and the age of artefacts in collections. More information and bookings
Wednesday 16 August Non-invasive Analysis of Ancient Papyri What do we know about the environmental and technological change in the ancient world that caused changes to the creation of papyri? Find out from Arzak Mohamed, a papyrus conservator currently undertaking a PhD in the analysis of archaeological materials. More information and bookings
Thursday 17 August Learn about how we can identify the source pigment of a colour on an ancient artefact with Professional Officers Cultural Heritage at Sydney Analytical Lorraine Leung and Thérèse Harrison. More information and bookings
Friday 18 August Find out from Senior Conservator Special Projects at the Australian National Maritime Museum Nick Flood, how successful conservation of objects requires collaboration and how the conservation of a celestial globe revealed a hidden painting. More information and bookings
Location: Chau Chak Wing Museum, University Place, The University of Sydney
Space and Astronomy
See our summary of all the great space and astronomy events, and researchers involved, in our post The thrill of space exploration including events with UNSW Sydney alumnus and reservist astronaut Meganne Christian.
Dr Karl joins a stellar line up of University of Sydney researchers to explore scientific discovery and innovation. Guests include Professor Anita Ho-Baillie on the efficiency of a solar panel; Professor Emma Johnston on marine ecology research from bushfires and invasive species and marine pollution (macro and micro plastics); Associate Professor Michael Bowen on his neuroscience research to help tackle the devastating opioid crisis; and Professor Geordie Williamson on harnessing the power of AI to attack problems in mathematics. Hosted by chemist and science communicator Associate Professor Alice Motion.
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND OPEN DAYS
Many of the National Science Week community events and open days feature multiple researchers from all the disciplines in informal ‘Meet a Scientist’ style formats. Just come with your questions. Browse these events for more details.
Saturday 5 August Science Showcase UOW: Open day at Wollongong Campus More information
Saturday 12 August Science of Nature, Community Open Day at Sydney City Farm More information
Saturday 12 August Science Showcase UOW: Open day at Shoalhaven Campus More information
Sunday 13 August Science in the Scrub at Western Sydney Parklands More information
Saturday 19 August Sydney Science Festival Family Science Day, Parramatta More information
Saturday 19 August Sydney Science Trail Community Day at the Australian Museum More information
Saturday 19 August Indigenous Science Experience at Redfern More information
Saturday 19 August Speed Meet a Scientist at Woollahra Library at Double Bay More information
Sunday 20 August Sydney Science Trail at Australian Botanic Garden, Mt Annan More information
Sunday 20 August Science in the Swamp, Centennial Park More information
What are the scientific research topics that our leading research institutions are excited about?
National Science Week is a time for our universities and affiliated research institutions to showcase their leading science communicators, celebrate their research successes, and provide opportunities for PhD students and early career researchers to talk to the community and inspire a new generation in the possibilities of a STEM career.
There are over 100 researchers involved in events across NSW this year, some for their own institutions, but many in community events in libraries, parklands, gardens, art galleries and cultural institutions.
The University of Sydney , UNSW Sydney, UTS Sydney and Macquarie University have their fabulous National Science Week events grouped online (thank you!), and below is a curated selection of highlights, grouped by disciplines. We’ll keep updating the list as new events are announced.
Psychology and neuroscience
The UNSW Centre for Ideas knows how to produce engaging science talks that deliver new ideas and the latest research in a concise format, and leave you wanting to find out more. These are two great evening talks, free and open to all on what we know about happiness and depression, with some international guests as well.
Wednesday 16 August
Robert Waldinger: Unlocking the Secret to Happiness
A special opportunity to hear from Robert Waligner, the lead on the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the most comprehensive longitudinal studies on happiness and ageing. In conversation with Dr Stephanie Ward, Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, UNSW Sydney.
Information and bookings
Thursday 17 August
Psychedelics: From ‘Magic’ to Medicinal
Could psychedelics unlock the answers to managing complex mental health issues including severe depression? Join UNSW research fellow and psychiatrist Dr Adam Bayes, Professor Colleen Loo and Emeritus Professor Wayne Hall in a conversation chaired by the ABC’s All In the Mind host, Sana Qadar.
Information and bookings
Location: Science Theatre, UNSW Sydney
As part of Sydney Science Festival, the Westmead Institute of Medical Research (WIMR) has a great day time program of talks with some fascinating topics this year, hosted by Nina Earl, curator and science communicator at Powerhouse Museum. Free and open to all with bookings required.
Tuesday 15 August
Understanding Alzheimer’s
Dr Caitlin Finney is a neuroscientist and researcher in the Neuroinflammation Research group at the WIMR. She will discuss her research into Alzheimer’s using a combination of machine-learning models and stem cells turned into 3D models.
Information and bookings
Tuesday 15 August
Mapping the Human Brain
Researcher and postdoctoral fellow at the Brain Dynamics Centre at WIMR, Dr Isabella Breukelaaris, shares the latest advancements in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to explore how brain regions work collectively.
Information and bookings
Location: Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead
Thursday 17 August
Microdosing and Mental Health
Macquarie University cognitive psychologist Dr Vince Polito and journalist Gemma Conroy they discuss the emerging trend of microdosing. Explore the potential mental health benefits of taking sub-perceptual doses of psychedelic substance.
Location: Leichhardt Library
More information and bookings
Thursday 17 August
The connected species
Macquarie University cognitive neuroscientist Dr Mark Williams is in conversation with Professor Ronika Power about his new book The Connected Species. They explore our understanding of the evolution of the brain, and why the evolutionary drive for connection needs to be used for the collective good, now more than ever.
Location: Ryde Library
Information and bookings
Physics, quantum and maths
Monday 14 August
National Quantum and Dark Matter Road Trip
Curious about dark matter, one of the biggest mysteries of the Universe, and why Australian research is a key player in the quest to figure it out? The National Quantum and Dark Matter Road Trip tours scientists to schools and communities around Australia to explain the science. This year it offers a public lecture with University of Sydney astroparticle physicist, Professor Celine Boehm and a special weekend Demo day.
Location: Nanoscience Building, University of Sydney
More information and bookings
Tuesday 15 August
The mathematics of twisting somersaults
Professor of Applied Mathematics at the University of Sydney Holger Dullin explains the maths behind what a space station, a falling cat, and a springboard diver have in common – the ability to reorientate themselves.
Location: University of Sydney
More information and bookings
The Sydney Mathematical Research Institute at the University of Sydney offers two after-school workshops for high students during National Science Week.
Wednesday 16 August
Infinity mathematics workshop
Associate Professor of Mathematics Milena Radnovi will explore the mathematics of infinity through discussion and solving problems.
More information and bookings
Thursday 17 August
Twist and Turn: the arithmetic of ropes
PhD Student in the School of Mathematics and Statistics Andy Tran offers one of this popular workshops, exploring the mathematics behind tangles in a combination of hands-on activities and discussions.
More information and bookings
Location: University of Sydney
Monday 21 August
Lasers: Making Light Work
For the 2023 AIP Einstein Lecture Macquarie University’s Professor David Coutts, an expert in photonics, physics and astronomy, will explore how lasers work and some of the amazing things that can be done with them, illustrated by multiple practical demonstrations.
Location: Mason Theatre, Macquarie University Wallamattagul Campus, North Ryde
More information and bookings
Life Sciences
Wednesday 9 August
The New Sciences of Sex and Reproduction
New developments in biomedical science have disrupted the formerly tight links between biology and our social practices of categorising people as male and female, parent and child. For the Challis lecture in Philosophy, the University of Sydney and Big Ideas hosts a panel discussion with Paul E. Griffiths, Challis Professor of Philosophy in the School of Humanities and Luara Ferracioli, Associate Professor of Philosophy in the School of Humanities, in conversation with Natasha Mitchell, ABC Radio National’s Big Ideas.
Location: Chau Chak Wing Museum, University of Sydney
More information and bookings
Saturday 12 August
Science of Nature Community Open Day
Entomologist and Superstar of STEM Dr Eliza Middleton from University of Sydney will be at this great new family day at Sydney’s urban farm in the middle of Sydney Park. The focus is on biodiversity, and there will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions as well as learn more about the science of nature in urban areas.
Location: Sydney City Farm, St Peters
More information and bookings
Tuesday 15 August
Cell Therapy
Dr Kenneth Micklethwaite is a haematologist working in the fields of bone marrow transplant and cell and gene therapy. He will outline the current state of the field of cell therapy innovation in Australia and presents new developments in cellular therapy for the full range of human disease.
Location: Westmead Institute of Medical Research
More information and bookings
Monday 14 August
Rewilding
How can we break free from the confines of traditional conservation approaches to landcare, and highlight the power of rewilding our fragile ecosystems – all before it’s too late.? UNSW Sydney’s Director of the Centre for Ecosystem Science, Professor Richard Kingsford, Principal Ecologist for the Wild Deserts project Dr Rebecca West, Scientia Fellow and Associate Professor Katherine Moseby and Lead Researcher for the Platypus Conservation Initiative Dr Gilad Bino, join a panel discussion chaired by journalist Dr Ann Jones.
Location: Roundhouse UNSW Sydney
More information and bookings
Tuesday 15 August
Climate Solutions You Wish You Knew About
Join a panel of leading scientists whose research explores the world of plants and the intriguing ways to adapt to and tackle climate change. Professor Michelle Leishman and Professor Neil Saintila from Macquarie University, Associate Professor Katherina Petrou UTS Sydney, and Dr Brett Summerell, Chief Botanist and Director Science, Education and Conservation, Botanic Gardens of Sydney.
Location: The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney
More information and bookings
Wednesday 16 August
Spotlight on Science
Environmental scientist Amy Hughes from Macquarie University and lecturer in radiation therapy at Charles Sturt University Craig Opie, join a discussion with other working scientists from different fields to talk about their research and inspirations, in a panel hosted by environmental scientist Dr Ana Rubio.
Location: Hornsby Central Library
More information and bookings
Wednesday 16 August
Wild Innovations
To celebrate National Science week, Nights at the Museum will play host to some of the heroes of STEM. In this panel discussion science communicator Lee Constable discusses the latest innovations in wildlife monitoring and wildlife forensics with Dr Greta Frankham, Wildlife Forensic Scientist at the Australian Museum Research Institute, Professor Jonathan Webb, School of Life Sciences at the University of Technology Sydney and Professor Karl Vernes, School of Environmental and Rural Science at the University of New England. Dive into the science of the cryptic lives of wildlife, from drones and sniffer dogs, to camera traps and wildlife forensics.
Location: Australian Museum, College St, Sydney
More information and bookings
Wednesday 16 August
Citizen Science as a Pathway to Nature Exploration and Sustainable Engagement
Associate Professor of Ecology Ricky Spencer from Western Sydney University serves as the Co-Leader of the renowned 1 Million Turtles Community Conservation Program. For this Science at the Local talk, he will shed light on how citizen science serves as a gateway for people to explore nature and become active stakeholders in their local communities’ sustainability efforts.
More information and bookings
Thursday 17 August
Invasion and Extinction
Exploring Myrtle Rust, a plant pathogen causing much environmental havoc in Australian native plants, Western Sydney University molecular biologist Mark Temple has programmed a series of events for Powerhouse Up Late. Mark will perform with musicians his sonification of the Myrtle Rust genome, and in panel moderated by Clarence Slockee from Gardening Australia he joins other scientists to discuss the challenges presented by this pathogen Professor Julian Knowles from Macquarie University will also talk and play examples of sonification of real-time weather data.
Location: Powerhouse Ultimo
More information and bookings
Thursday 17 August
Sounds of the Bush – Using acoustic monitoring in fauna conservation
In Kyogle a Science in the Pub event launches a citizen scientist project to become involved in a Richmond catchment wide koala monitoring program. Hosted by the Border Ranges Richmond Valley Landcare, it includes presentations from David Newell, an ecologist from Southern Cross University with a long history in using acoustic monitoring devices, Jane Baldwin from the Border Ranges Alliance, Pete Knock, the Large Forest Owls Coordinator with the Nature Conservation Council of NSW and Mark Ambrose, an ecologist from Border Ranges Richmond Valley Landcare.
Location: Kyogle Bowling Club
More information and bookings
Thursday 17 August
Boom or Bust? A dive into the unique sponge fauna of Wallis and Smiths Lakes
Professor of Marine Biology from the University of Wollongong Andy Davis will provide some insights into research of the unique sponges that call Wallis and Smiths Lake home. Many of these sponges are likely to be undescribed and new to science. Andy will outline findings of a twenty-year study (2002 to 2022) and will show that some sponge populations in these MidCoast lakes are perhaps best characterised as boom or bust.
Location: Pacific Palms Recreation Club, Elizabeth Beach
More information and bookings
Friday 18 August
Is Antarctic science worth the carbon miles?
A public lecture by Professor Dana Bergstrom, a University of Wollongong applied ecologist who has worked at the Australian Antarctic Division for 20 years. Part of the UOW 2023 Science Showcase Events series of events.
More information and bookings
Saturday 19 August
MicroVision at Wagga Wagga City Library
Join lecturer in Environment and Agriculture at Charles Sturt University,Celia Connor, and students from the School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences to discover everyday things that you won’t see every day – without a microscope.
Location: Wagga Wagga City Library, 243 Baylis Street, Wagga Wagga
More information and bookings
AI and technology
Saturday 12 August
Science in the Age of Fake News
hosts a panel discussion that will explore how science and fiction can be separated and whether science is being weaponised. With chief Scientist of the AI Institute at UNSW Sydney Professor Toby Walsh.
Location: Australian Museum, College St, Sydney
More information and bookings
Saturday 12 August
Unleashing Creativity in AI: Generative Artificial Intelligence
Dr Jack Yang, from the Centre for Artificial Intelligence at the University of Wollongong will share fundamental knowledge to explore the fascinating world of Generative AI. Discover the technology behind Generative AI systems, their applications across industries, and ground-breaking research pushing the boundaries of human-machine collaboration.
Location: Jervis Bay Maritime Museum, Huskisson
More information and bookings
Wednesday 16 August
Artificial Intelligence of Things
Macquarie University’s Dr Adnan Mahmood speaks on the paradigm of the Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT), i.e. a marriage of the powerful notions of Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things. The session will discuss the AIoT applications in our daily lives and their potential future.
Location: Ryde Library
More information and bookings
Chemistry and Materials
The Chau Chau Wing Museum at the University of Sydney have partnered with Sydney Analytical on a wonderful series of floor talks and workshops based on the science behind the scenes at a museum. Find out how incredible advances in science are helping build new understanding of cultural and historic artifacts.
Saturday 12, Sunday 13, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 August
Explore Science in the Museum
For a series of free participatory workshops on science and cultural heritage over the weekends of National Science Week, scientists from Sydney Analytical and the School of Physics from the University of Sydney will show live demonstrations of scientific equipment and how different techniques can provide valuable information to museums.
More information and bookings
Monday 14 August
Deadly Entertainment: A museum floor talk
Manager of the Sydney Analytical Vibrational Spectroscopy Node Dr Elizabeth Carter will discuss how a team of conservators, chemists and statisticians worked together to develop a protocol used internationally to identify the dangerous film bases of early cinema and photographic film.
More information and bookings
Tuesday 15 August
Up Close and Personal with the Past: Nanoscale Analysis of Artefacts
What can specks of dust and pollen tell us about objects? PhD candidate in the School of Physics Sophie Cottam will explain how powerful microscopes enable a greater ability to understand the origins and the age of artefacts in collections.
More information and bookings
Wednesday 16 August
Non-invasive Analysis of Ancient Papyri
What do we know about the environmental and technological change in the ancient world that caused changes to the creation of papyri? Find out from Arzak Mohamed, a papyrus conservator currently undertaking a PhD in the analysis of archaeological materials.
More information and bookings
Thursday 17 August
Learn about how we can identify the source pigment of a colour on an ancient artefact with Professional Officers Cultural Heritage at Sydney Analytical Lorraine Leung and Thérèse Harrison.
More information and bookings
Friday 18 August
Find out from Senior Conservator Special Projects at the Australian National Maritime Museum Nick Flood, how successful conservation of objects requires collaboration and how the conservation of a celestial globe revealed a hidden painting.
More information and bookings
Location: Chau Chak Wing Museum, University Place, The University of Sydney
Space and Astronomy
See our summary of all the great space and astronomy events, and researchers involved, in our post The thrill of space exploration including events with UNSW Sydney alumnus and reservist astronaut Meganne Christian.
Chemistry, maths, neuroscience, marine biology & nanoscience!
Dr Karl joins a stellar line up of University of Sydney researchers to explore scientific discovery and innovation. Guests include Professor Anita Ho-Baillie on the efficiency of a solar panel; Professor Emma Johnston on marine ecology research from bushfires and invasive species and marine pollution (macro and micro plastics); Associate Professor Michael Bowen on his neuroscience research to help tackle the devastating opioid crisis; and Professor Geordie Williamson on harnessing the power of AI to attack problems in mathematics. Hosted by chemist and science communicator Associate Professor Alice Motion.
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND OPEN DAYS
Many of the National Science Week community events and open days feature multiple researchers from all the disciplines in informal ‘Meet a Scientist’ style formats. Just come with your questions. Browse these events for more details.
Saturday 5 August
Science Showcase UOW: Open day at Wollongong Campus
More information
Saturday 12 August
Science of Nature, Community Open Day at Sydney City Farm
More information
Saturday 12 August
Science Showcase UOW: Open day at Shoalhaven Campus
More information
Sunday 13 August
Science in the Scrub at Western Sydney Parklands
More information
Saturday 19 August
Sydney Science Festival Family Science Day, Parramatta
More information
Saturday 19 August
Sydney Science Trail Community Day at the Australian Museum
More information
Saturday 19 August
Indigenous Science Experience at Redfern
More information
Saturday 19 August
Speed Meet a Scientist at Woollahra Library at Double Bay
More information
Sunday 20 August
Sydney Science Trail at Australian Botanic Garden, Mt Annan
More information
Sunday 20 August
Science in the Swamp, Centennial Park
More information
Header image: From A Splash of Colour – Identification of pigments in the collections event at the Chau Chau Wing Museum.
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