The Faculty of Science and Engineering has a call to action that drives all our activities: ‘Discover. Create. Innovate.’ This refrain is an invitation to our community to embrace curiosity and proactively tackle emerging opportunities in science and technology. We aim to advance all aspects of science, from fundamental research (discovery) to creative problem-solving (creation) and the practical implementation of new ideas (innovation).

This week is National Science Week, Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology. So it is particularly apt to recognise our emerging leaders in science who are transforming their fields. We recently celebrated the success of Associate Professor Fatemeh Salehi, who was named a 2023 New South Wales Young Tall Poppy for her work advancing the use of clean energy fuels such as hydrogen to promote sustainable energy solutions.

We are excited to see how our newly announced ARC Future Fellows will shape their disciplines, including Dr Rachael Dudaniec, who is assessing bee health, disease and evolution to advance Australia’s ability to manage threats to pollination; Dr Christian Schwab, who is developing technologies to search for life on extrasolar planets; and Associate Professor Emilie-Jane Ens, who is studying native edible root species through collaboration with Dharug and Yolngu women in urban and remote Australia.

These rising stars in our community will not only drive change in their respective fields, but they will also inspire the next generation of scientists to pursue their passions. During Science Week, many of our scientists are participating in activities that promote and celebrate their expertise, from discussing plants and climate change to exploring the cosmos and understanding lasers. These events encourage individuals of all ages to question, explore and seek answers about our world.

I was recently reminded of the benefits of cultivating scientific curiosity while talking to my daughter about her high school science project. While I gently encouraged a few ideas in water quality and environmental hydrology, she independently developed an experiment that integrated her growing interest in AI with her long-held interest in human psychology. Combining new AI technologies and interviews with her family and friends, the project was a resounding success.

For me, this highlighted the importance of providing engaging and interactive experiences that ignite curiosity and inspire the next generation of scientists. Science Week is the perfect time to celebrate such moments of discovery and encourage others to embark on their own exciting scientific journeys. Let us all come together to nurture the innate curiosity within our community and foster a generation of passionate scientists who will shape the future with their insatiable thirst for knowledge. Happy National Science Week.