This year National Science Week (10-18 August) will be bringing science to you while you shop! Come past Westfield Belconnen, Westfield Woden, South.Point Tuggeranong, Cooleman Court, Gungahlin Marketplace or the Canberra Centre to discover the exciting science behind dinosaurs, parasites, geology, space, robotics, engineering, the environment and much more!

Alongside this event, there will be many more across Canberra celebrating science in the capital. “The week focuses on the exciting world of science and how it relates to your everyday life,” says National Science Week committee member Jillian Matthews. “It is a wonderful opportunity to discover the scientists in Canberra and the fascinating work they do.”

The week kicks off with an accessible astronomy event at Mt Stromlo Observatory, a scientific discussion about nuclear power and seniors workshops in creative computing. Throughout the week, Canberrans can get their science fill by taking part in a lecture and performance about the links between maths and music, exploring traditional Indigenous knowledge around science and technology at Wildbark or going out to the pub for a night discovering dark matter. The week concludes with HEDY! The Life & Inventions of Hedy Lamarr, a play that celebrates Hedy Lamarr, Hollywood film actress and genius inventor, as a woman of science.

National Science Week is Australia’s annual opportunity to meet scientists, discuss the hot topics, do science and celebrate its cultural and economic impact on society. 

First held in 1997, National Science Week has become one of Australia’s largest festivals. Last year, about 1.3 million people participated in more than 1750 events and activities.

National Science Week 2024 will run from 10-18 August. Event details can be found at scienceweek.net.au.