National Science Week 2025: Official Launch at Questacon — Celebrating Innovation, Community, and the Magic of Science
Welcome to our comprehensive coverage of the National Science Week 2025 launch at Questacon—the National Science and Technology Centre in Canberra. If you missed the excitement, energy, and inspiring stories shared during the opening event, you’re in the right place! We’re recapping every major moment, highlighting important lessons, and celebrating how science brings us together and shapes our future.
Table of Contents
National Science Week: A Warm Welcome
It was a bright start at Questacon, the home of playful learning and wonder for science lovers of all ages.
“Questicom plays a lead role in the national coordination and delivery of National Science Week and our vision is Australians are inspired by science and technology and the opportunities it creates for the future.”
The Executive Director of Questacon, Joe Wya, opened with a heartfelt welcome. National Science Week isn’t just an event—it’s a celebration that extends beyond its official run (this year, August 9th-17th, 2025.) The stage was set for a morning full of gratitude and excitement as scientists, educators, elders, students, and community members gathered to kick things off.
Highlights From the Welcome
Joe acknowledged distinguished guests including Professor Tony Hayd (Australia’s Chief Scientist), Auntie Violet Sheridan (Nunimal Elder), panellists, local parliamentarians, and ACT members.
Reminders about event logistics, indicating care for participant wellbeing (from emergency procedures to bathroom locations!).
Acknowledgement of the many colleagues, partners, and contributors to the Science Week festival, embodying the community spirit of National Science Week.
Acknowledging Tradition, Leadership, and Country
Aunty Violet Sheridan, proud Nunimal Elder, took the stage and delivered a powerful Welcome to Country, blending personal reflection, humor, and deep respect.
“I stand here in this place where once my ancestors before me practiced culture, raise their families. I am a proud number of a woman as I carry my ancestors in spirit walking into the future teaching the next generations about the oldest culture in the world, my culture, the Unimal Aboriginal culture.”
Her words painted a rich picture of heritage, tradition, and reconciliation.
Memorable Moments
Shared stories about not liking science at school—a relatable reminder about changing relationships to science throughout life.
Reflected on learning from Questacon staff and ongoing projects.
Highlighted how traditional indigenous inventors—like the creators of the boomerang—were actually “the first scientists.”
Called for respect to Elders (past, present, and emerging), and extended it to non-Indigenous audiences, celebrating multicultural Australia.
First Nations Wisdom and Science
Joe Wya emphasized an important theme carried through the day: First Nations Knowledge Systems are now a recognized priority for Australia’s national science and research agenda.
Across every state and territory, National Science Week now sees First Nations knowledge events on the program—a huge step toward recognizing these ancient, empirical systems.
Ministerial Message: Science Shaping Australia’s Future
Hon. Tim Ayres, Minister for Science, couldn’t attend in person but shared an inspiring video message.
“Every year, millions of Australians attend National Science Week events and activities around the country, cultivating curiosity, excitement and often leaving them with an enduring interest in science.”
Key Points
Over 2,000 National Science Week activities and events registered for 2025—from space farming, eco-forensics, top-end biosecurity, to dark matter.
Emphasized STEM’s critical role in shaping Australia—especially for today’s students who will lead tomorrow.
Recent wins and bold attempts, like Gilmore Space Technologies’ first Australian-made rocket launch, highlight how scientific endeavor includes risk, experiment, learning from setbacks, and celebrating every step forward.
The value of science in creating a better Australia: fairness, decency, dignity of work.
The call: find a local activity, engage, and promote science.
“Building the high skilled workforce that Australia will need to staff its future industrial capacity…depends on our efforts to inspire wonder, critical thinking and a love of STEM in boys and girls.”
National Science Week By the Numbers
Joe Wya gave the audience a look at just how big National Science Week has become:
29th year running
Over 2,200 events registered for 2025—breaking previous records!
3+ million Australians participated in 2,000+ events last year
88% of events were free, and 50% were outside major cities—meaning science is everywhere, not just in urban centers.
65% of attendees did not consider themselves highly engaged in science—showing the week’s power to reach new audiences.
Most important: National Science Week helps all Australians participate in science, not just observe it.
The Power and Promise of Indigenous Knowledge
Professor Tony Hayd, Australia’s Chief Scientist, brought a wealth of experience—and a deep respect for the traditional custodians of the lands. His remarks connected scientific discovery directly to community prosperity and national identity.
“Elevating those knowledge systems is one of Australia’s five national science and research priorities, and it’s really important that we keep that goal in mind.”
Insights From Professor Hayd
Celebrated both the future politicians in the audience (“Please do your science degrees!”, he urged) and those already serving.
Drew links between science and key national agendas—like productivity, clean tech, sovereign manufacturing, and the “Future Made in Australia” initiative.
Science is a “team sport,” with a shout out to teachers, parents, workplaces, and mentors nurturing the next wave.
Shared the thrill and unpredictability of a science career (“sometimes challenging and deeply rewarding”).
Told personal stories of juggling big decisions in national climate meetings vs. attending the Science Week launch—a sign of commitment to inspiring others.
Panel Discussion: Innovation and Manufacturing for Australia’s Future
One of the most dynamic sections of the launch event was the panel discussion, focusing on Innovation and Manufacturing, and exploring how science can help Australia thrive.
Meet the Panelists
Let’s get acquainted with the amazing scientists and innovators who took part:
Dr. Angeline Arachia — Global agri-food innovation leader, systems bridge builder, and sustainability champion. Has taken 1,200+ agri-food solutions to market.
Associate Professor Shannon Kilmartin Lynch — Eco-engineer at Monash University, proud Tun-Arng man. Fuses Indigenous knowledges with advanced science: transforming coffee waste to concrete, redefining sustainability.
Grace Lelean — Chemical engineer and immunologist; inventor, commercialization expert. Champions digital health by fast-tracking breakthrough medical technologies from lab to patients.
Case Studies of Australian Innovation
Each panelist shared vibrant examples of real-world Australian innovations that are making a difference. Here’s a taste of what excites them:
Angeline: Bridging Science and Commercial Reality
Dr. Angeline described Australia’s “valley of death”—the gap between brilliant research and commercial application. Her work at Beanstalk AgTech uses a venture studio model to co-build ventures, taking research into real products and companies—accelerating solutions, especially in drought resilience.
“We have great discovery in this country. We’ve just got to systematically connect it to deployment.”
Shannon: Indigenous Knowledge in Engineering
Shannon shared how Indigenous plant resins and materials are now being used at the nanoscale to make concrete stronger and more sustainable—and corrosion-resistant. He noted the shift from “tokenistic” use of Indigenous knowledge toward authentic recognition of empirical, foundational science that’s been evolving over 65,000 years or more.
“The future of innovation in Australia will come from cutting edge research that is walking alongside indigenous scientific knowledge whilst acknowledging it as foundational knowledge.”
Grace: Health Tech Changing Lives
Grace’s highlights included:
Baymao: An innovation born from a mother’s adversity. A wearable sensor for predicting postpartum hemorrhage—using AI and now showing 80% success in major hospitals.
Gut Microbiome Sensor: Swallowable tech that provides accurate, real-time gas readings to understand gut health. Commercialized from RMIT research; now a clinical tool, changing both patient outcomes and scientific research—3,000x more accurate than breath tests!
How Do We Make STEM Even Stronger?
When asked about bold, single steps to supercharge Australia’s STEM and innovation ecosystem, the panelists were candid and practical:
Grace: Australia should “buy our own science.” She argued for supporting homegrown innovations through purchasing and policy. Currently, many breakthroughs first reach the US or Europe because Australia lacks payment mechanisms and market support.
Shannon: Better protect Indigenous knowledge in law and policy, making it safer and more attractive for Indigenous scientists and knowledge holders to participate. Historically, STEM has been “extractive,” taking without attribution or benefit. True respect, protection, and confidence are needed.
Angeline: A call for national prototyping and scale-up infrastructure: places where research, industry, and community can come together to rapidly test ideas, break down silos, and accelerate commercialization of discoveries.
The Importance of Science Communication
Why is it vital for scientists and STEM professionals to connect with the broader public? Here’s what our panelists said:
Angeline reminded us: No science without people who use it—co-creation, trust, and courage are key. She described how not engaging community early can lead to failed projects.
Building trust happens through communication, especially bringing people on the journey—not just unveiling the final product.
Shannon: Many young people don’t like science simply because it appears distant or unrelatable—“a failure to communicate.” Science is everywhere, not just in labs. Effective communication unlocks the path to new scientists, leaders, and advocates by making science real and accessible.
Grace: Exposure! She didn’t meet an engineer until Year 11, and wasn’t planning to study engineering. A chance encounter during a Science Week event changed everything—real, relatable role models matter.
“Once you understand that science is everywhere, science is in everything you do, then it’s a lot easier to embrace.”
National Science Week Events: Something for Everyone
After the thought-provoking panel, Joe Wya shared exciting events featured in Science Week 2025—showing broad participation, diversity, and fun:
Sample Event Highlights
Indigenous Schoolchildren & Elders Mapping Billabongs — In remote Northern Territory, kids and elders use underwater cameras to map local animal life.
Forensics at Questacon — Step into the shoes of an Australian Federal Police expert to uncover the science behind solving crimes.
Science of Love and Dating in Hobart — An adults-only evening show offering a tongue-in-cheek look at the chemistry and psychology behind relationships.
“Science Week invites all to be part of science and not just observers of it.”
Celebrating the Science Week Teams
Teamwork makes it happen! Joe extended hearty thanks:
Questacon Team: For daily dedication and organizing the launch festivities.
Science & Technology Australia: For event support and coordination.
Alice Ryder: Special appreciation for National Science Week management and behind-the-scenes magic.
The message was clear: Science Week is built from the ground up by passionate, skilled people across the nation.
The Grand Finale: A Science Demonstration
No Questacon event is complete without an energetic science demo!
Demonstration Highlights
Alice and Pat, beloved Questacon science communicators, engaged the crowd with humor, energy, and a little chaos.
Theme: Science is everywhere—just like air! The demo centered around “doing science” with air, mixing practical safety (gloves and ear protection for excited participants) with playful interaction.
The demonstration built suspense and audience engagement, culminating in the official “launch” of National Science Week as the room counted down together:
“Three, two, one—Happy National Science Week!”
Closing Reflections: Science Every Day
As the event drew to an end, the message was simple but profound. Science isn’t just a one-week celebration—it’s every day, everywhere, for everyone.
“Science is everywhere. And it’s just like the air around us… We don’t really notice it every day. I can’t see it. But it’s here. We share it. It’s all around the world.”
The Questacon launch reminded everyone—kids, scientists, teachers, and seasoned researchers—that science is woven through our daily lives. From ancient indigenous knowledges to rocket launches, health tech, cleaning up food waste, or mapping billabongs in remote villages, curiosity makes us better, braver, and more connected.
How You Can Get Involved
There’s something for everyone in National Science Week:
Visit Questacon or your local science museum
Find a local event via the National Science Week website
Participate in school-based activities, talks, workshops, or festivals near you
Share with your friends and family—promoting curiosity, discussion, and learning
Help build the next generation of scientists, engineers, thinkers, and leaders
Final Thoughts & Resources
National Science Week 2025 is more than a festival—it’s testimony to Australian ingenuity, diversity, and community spirit. Whether you’re an aspiring scientist, a farmer, a teacher, an Indigenous knowledge holder, a parent, or just someone who loves a good demo, there are infinite ways to be part of science.
Join in. Ask questions. Take courage. Science is better with you!
Useful Links
“Just getting to the launch pad, let alone liftoff, is a real success. Moments like these help our mission to inspire the next generation of Australia’s STEM workforce.”
Happy National Science Week!
If you attended the launch, share your favorite memories or questions below! And if you’re new, what are you most excited to explore during National Science Week 2025?
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