For scientists and researchers, “outreach” often feels like just another box to tick on a grant application. But in New South Wales, science communication is being transformed into a high-impact, skill-building professional opportunity.
There are several flagship programs that are looking for scientists who want to bridge the gap between the lab and the public. Whether you want to mentor the next generation, master the art of the “pitch,” or even try your hand at stand-up comedy, here is how you can get involved.
Meet the Scientist: Hands-on Community Engagement
We facilitate the Meet the Scientist program, this program is perfect for researchers who enjoy face-to-face interaction. These pop-up events take place during National Science Week at high-traffic locations like Centennial Parklands and Western Sydney Parklands.
- What’s in it for you? We provide the location and snacks and cover all the logistics, so you don’t have to worry about event planning. We also provide science communication training sessions ahead of the events to help you prepare physical props or interactive demos that spark curiosity.
- The Experience: You’ll engage in “speed-meets” or stall-based interactions with thousands of community members. It’s an excellent way to practice fielding unexpected questions and engaging with a diverse demographic.
- How to join: Call-outs for researchers typically happen in the lead-up to National Science Week (August) or other events. Check the Inspiring NSW website or sign up for our newsletter for EOI announcements.
Future Science Talks: Master the Art of Storytelling (and Comedy)
If you’ve ever struggled to explain your research at a party, Future Science Talks is your training ground. This program is specifically designed to help researchers ditch the jargon and embrace narrative, humor, and stage presence.
- What’s in it for you? Participants join a multi-week Science Comedy Program. You’ll receive professional coaching from comedians and communication experts to turn your work into a 10-minute engaging talk.
- The Exposure: Graduates of the program perform at major events like the National Science Week events, Sydney Fringe Festival, Vivid Sydney, and the Sydney Comedy Festival. It’s an unparalleled way to boost your public profile and demonstrate the real-world impact of your research.
- How to join: They actively seek “newcomers” to science communication. Keep an eye out for the next Expression of Interest. or see the Future Science Talks website
STEMpals: Mentoring via the “Power of the Pen”
Not every researcher has the time for a full-day site visit. STEMpals offers a high-impact, low-time-commitment way to inspire the next generation. This pen-pal program matches scientists with Year 5 and 6 students across Australia.
- What’s in it for you? You’ll exchange just 3 letters per year. It’s a chance to practice “simplifying without stripping”, explaining complex concepts to a 10-year-old. More importantly, you become a visible role model for students who may have never met a scientist in real life.
- The Impact: Feedback shows that these personal connections significantly shift student attitudes toward STEM careers.
- How to join: Register your interest as a STEM professional on the STEMpals website.
Pint of Science Festival
You can join the celebrations every May where we serve you a paddle of science topics to quench your thirst. From astrophysics to zoology – we’ve got your curiosity covered. So excited and can’t wait?
The Pint of Science festival offers researchers the opportunity to engage with their local community and share their recent work in a relaxed and casual pub environment.
The 2026 Pint of Science festival speaker expressions of interest are now open.
This years festival is on between 18 – 20 May 2026
Want to be part of the fun?
You can join the amazing team of passionate volunteers running Pint of Science Australia!
Expressions of interest for local team volunteers are now open!
There are a range of volunteering positions across the organisation, including one-off on-the-night volunteers, festival-focused coordination roles, and year-round national positions.
Why get involved now?
The current research landscape increasingly demands evidence of broader impact and community engagement. By participating in these structured programs:
- Upskill: You gain formal training in public speaking and media engagement.
- Network: You connect with a network of like-minded researchers and professional science communicators.
- Grant Support: Participation in IA NSW-supported programs is a powerful addition to the “National Benefit” or “Engagement” sections of ARC and NHMRC grant applications.
Ready to step out of the lab? Keep an eye on the Inspiring NSW website to discover more opportunities. You can also each out to the program coordinators at STEMpals and Future Science Talks today.
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