From sea to stars: Macquarie University scientists during National Science Week 2025

Indigenous Science Experience Community Day at Redfern

Saturday 9 August 2025, 10am to 3pm, Redfern Community Centre,  Hugo Street, Redfern 
Professor Joanne Jamie, Co-Director of the National Indigenous Science Education Program

Now in its 14th year, this free community event is a collaboration between Macquarie University and the City of Sydney. Visitors can yarn with Aboriginal knowledge custodians about bush foods and medicines, customary use of seaweeds, and Aboriginal astronomy. Drop in at any time during the day to see features, cultural performances, Torres Strait Islander experiences through virtual reality, and hands-on activities in mathematics, microbiology, physics and chemistry.

Become immersed in learnings from the world's oldest living cultures at this event, which kicks off National Science Week - and also marks the start of five days of Indigenous Science Experience activities coordinated by the National Indigenous Science Education Program.
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Science in the Scrub 2025

Sunday 10 August 2025, 11am to 3pm, Lizard Log Amphitheatre
Western Sydney Parklands, The Horsley Dr & Cowpasture Rd, Abbotsbury NSW 2176
Professor Joanne Jamie,
Co-Director of the National Indigenous Science Education Program

Join this free family fun day out at Western Sydney Parklands, where Lizard Log transforms into a pop-up village of scientific wonder. Explore more than 30 stalls with live science shows, hands-on experiments, and native animals.

For the first time, the Aboriginal Science Village hosted by Macquarie University and the National Indigenous Science Education Program will explore natural dyeing, seaweed harvesting, medicinal plants, and bush cordial tasting.
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Discover Lecture Series – Towards Nature-Rich Liveable Cities of the Future

Tuesday 12 August 2025, 6.15pm to 7.30pm,  Macquarie University
Distinguished Professor Michelle Leishman

This free public lecture, open to all ages, addresses the unprecedented challenges facing cities, including rapid population growth, environmental pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss and declining human wellbeing. Distinguished Professor Michelle Leishman will explore how urban green and blue spaces offer enormous potential to address these challenges through nature-based solutions.

Learn how communities can build climate-resilient urban forests and waterways while leveraging innovations in smart sensor technology, communications and artificial intelligence to create nature-rich cities of tomorrow.
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Dinosaurs after Dark with Palaeontologist Sally Hurst

Thursday 14 August 2025, 6.30pm to 8pm,  Ryde Library
Sally Hurst,   Macquarie University palaeontologist and archaeologist

Dig into the world of dinosaurs with passionate science communicator Sally Hurst, who shares her life as a scientist and experiences in the field. Attendees can get hands-on with real fossils while learning about paleontological work and what it's like on a dig. Ms Hurst will answer questions about dinosaurs, life as a palaeontologist, and her experiences as a woman in STEM. Her Found a Fossil Project explores the interactions between humans and fossils.

This engaging evening promises to inspire the next generation of scientists with powerful storytelling and hands-on experiences.
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Science at the Edge of Consciousness

Thursday 14 August 2025, 7pm to 8.30pm. The Factory Theatre, Marrickville 
Dr Vince Polito and team from the Altered States Lab, School of Psychological Sciences

Join Macquarie University's Altered States Lab for an interactive journey through ancient and modern consciousness alteration techniques. Explore how meditation changes the senses, the mysteries of sleep, and whether hypnotic suggestions can break habits. Learn about the latest findings in psychedelic science and new technologies being used to alter consciousness. Dr Vince Polito leads research, including psilocybin clinical trials for depression.

Audience members will have the chance to experience and compare some consciousness-altering technologies.
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Into the Deep: Marine Science Career & Innovation Night

Thursday 14 August 2025, 5pm onwards,  SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) researchers and HDR students

This special after-hours event for high school students is hosted by SIMS with Macquarie University and the Living Seawalls team.

Featuring interactive science stations and exhibits, students can glimpse marine science careers and inspiring STEM pathways.

Connect academic learning with practical, real-world applications in marine and environmental sciences.
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Science Night – Whales with Dr Vanessa Pirotta

Friday 15 August 2025, 6pm to 9pm,  Queensland Museum Kurilpa, Level 1, Brisbane
Dr Vanessa Pirotta

Dive into SparkLab for an adults-only night with renowned whale scientist Dr Vanessa Pirotta, NSW Premier's Woman of Excellence 2025 and Eureka Prize finalist.

The event explores whale biology, songs, breaches, and their challenges. Dr Pirotta uses innovative tech such as whale snot drones and AI for wildlife conservation.

Evening activities include exploring the Science on a Sphere globe, adults-only access to SparkLab's 40 interactive exhibits, live experiments, science, music, and snacks at a pop-up bar.
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