Manager, Inspiring Victoria and Coordinator of National Science Week in Victoria
2026 was a record-breaking year for National Science Week
We had almost 3,700 events spread across the whole country — incredibly, a 43% increase on last year's program!
Across our state over nine days, more than 570 National Science Week events and activities brought science to the masses. From local public libraries and community centres in the regions, to our most well-known science institutions around Melbourne, including at RSV, and everything in between — science was everywhere!
We launched the Victorian celebrations with a stakeholder event held at Melbourne Museum, delivered in partnership with our friends at Museums Victoria. RSV's President, Rob Gell, opened with an inspiring speech highlighting the Royal Society of Victoria as the ‘Switzerland of Science’ — a place that welcomes open and critical discussion and debate. This emphasises the importance of the Inspiring Victoria initiative in continuing to engage and connect Victorians with science.
It was followed by some fascinating short talks by early-career researchers, before guests were treated to a special after-hours viewing of Melbourne Museum’s latest exhibition, Our Wondrous Planet.
Guests left the event buzzing, excited for what the next week of ‘Science Christmas’ would bring!
Inspiring Victoria and the Royal Society of Victoria (RSV) were thrilled to partner with some exceptional Victorian organisations to bring this year's program to life. At RSV Hall, we welcomed school and university students, map lovers, families and curious minds of all ages. Together, the Inspiring Victoria partners delivered a program that reached every corner of the state — read on for some of our favourite moments from this year's program.
Melbourne’s most curious mapping tales
The wonderful team at Geography Victoria launched our first event for the week at RSV, and it went off with a bang! Featuring comedian Julian O'Shea, the sold-out Maps! event brought in everyone from pre-teens to seniors, who laughed out loud at Julian's hilarious “map” stories from across Australia. The afternoon continued over refreshments, with plenty of conversation and a chance to see Julian's newly released Unknown Melbourne Map. It was a memorable afternoon celebrating maps, geography and the joy of seeing our world differently.
From science degrees to real-world impact
RSV’s Emerging Scientists Network came together to explore how research translates into real-world impact. Four expert panellists shared insights from their varied fields on how scientific research becomes real-world outcomes, sparking lively discussion and offering fantastic takeaways for Victoria’s emerging scientists. Attendees teamed up for an energetic Impact-a-thon, pitching creative solutions to microplastic pollution. Congratulations to the winning team, who proposed "Plastic Day" — a bold, public awareness campaign!
The Power of Geospatial Science: Promise and Peril
The Ellery Theatre was once again filled to capacity for The Power of Geospatial Science: Promise and Peril symposium, presented by Geography Victoria. Five outstanding speakers explored the extraordinary potential of geospatial science, as well as some of the challenges and risks that come with AI and increasingly powerful location-based technologies. The audience included geospatial professionals, university and secondary students, teachers and members of the wider community, creating a wonderfully diverse and engaged gathering. The symposium highlighted the vital role geography plays in understanding our changing world.
Kids tackling food systems challenges
Congratulations to all the primary and secondary school presenters and their teachers who took part in the Kids' Conference, where students presented a diverse range of exciting research projects around the topic of Food Systems. Highlights included San Remo Primary School's Moldy Bread project, Food for Tomorrow from Pakenham Secondary College, a hydroponics project from Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College in Leongatha, and exploring food systems through the lens of stewardship with students at Life Skills University, all the way from Alexandria, Egypt.
Putting Science on Show
Hosted by the team at Museums Victoria, Science on Show brought together research and scientific staff from Melbourne Museum and Scienceworks, the Library team, and acclaimed authors and illustrators, showcasing scientific inquiry and public communication on a broad scale. The overwhelming audience response and strong attendance underscored a deep community appreciation for Victoria's scientific heritage and research.
Aboriginal Culture workshops, elephants, and a Race Around the Zoo
Zoos Victoria held a number of fantastic events and activities across two of their sites.
Usually only open to school students, Healesville Sanctuary gave the general public a special opportunity to participate in workshops exploring Aboriginal Cultures, knowledge systems and connection to Country and wildlife - these were a real hit with the visitors. And a Race Around the Zoo had people of all ages exploring the Sanctuary as they tackled tasks and met endangered species on their adventures.
Over at Werribee Open Range Zoo, it was all about the elephants!
Activities and talks had visitors learning about the biology and ecology of elephants, and how these gentle giants are cared for in captivity. Plus talks on healthy waterways helped visitors learn about the significant waterway through Werribee and understand the importance of taking care of water quality and aquatic wildlife in the zoo.
Got a great event idea for next year? Apply for a grant!
Feeling inspired by all the great science activities you saw this Science Week? The Public Event Grants have just opened up, providing individuals and organisations with up to $20,000 to support the delivery of science engagement activities during National Science Week, from 2027 to 2030. Head to this link for more information and apply for a grant.
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