The Meet a Scientist program was launched in 2023. It was so successful that we continued the program in 2024. This program involves matching young and early career researchers to a selection of community events. The scientists gain science communication experience without having to create events themselves and the event hosts do not have to manage individual speakers.
Community events provide an opportunity for direct interaction with scientists and the opportunity to ask specific questions. Our Meet a Scientist program in 2023 was a huge success, with scientists keep busy for hours with questions from children and their families at a range of events.
Researchers are set up at a table each where they have physical props or visual/auditory stimulus for participants to explore and stimulate questions. Kids may stay for one minute or 10. There are no slides or presentations.
In 2024 we had 30 researchers respond to the call out and were able to provide multiple event opportunities for them. We also offered the researchers an online training session with a noted science communicator Jiao Jiao Li from UTS, and Vanessa Barratt an expert in outreach and education. This gave the less experienced researchers an opportunity to talk about their idea for hands on science engagement and get feedback.
The “Meet the Scientists” tent, hosted by Inspiring Australia, was a highlight for visitors of all ages, offering unique opportunities for meaningful engagement with experts. We look forward to continuing this partnership and fostering scientific curiosity in our community for years to come.
Greater Sydney Parklands
Thanks again for recruiting scientists for our ‘meet the scientists’ stalls at our community open day. They were friendly and engaging and we saw lots of great conversations happening with the community… They also inspired our student volunteers.
Sydney City Farm
Keep an eye out for the expression of interest to be involved in the 2026 National Science Week events.
Feature Image: Meet the Scientist at Science in the Swamp 2024
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