Social science – sip, mingle and get curious at these World Science Festival social events
World Science Festival Brisbane is turning up the social side of science. Beyond the headline conversations, premieres and family fun, this year’s program is packed with events designed for mingling, meeting the experts and getting curious in real time. From museum deep dives and bar-side chats to live podcast recordings and immersive performances, the festival’s line-up of social events proves science is even better when it’s shared.
Meet the Scientists
Head behind the scenes at Queensland Museum Kurilpa for a rare glimpse into the research spaces usually hidden from public view. From vast mollusc collections and powerful microscopes to ancient crocodile remains and fossils formed by long-extinct volcanoes, the Meet the Scientists session uncovers the stories that don’t always make it into the display cases. It’s an invitation to rub shoulders with expert scientists, ask questions and leave with a fresh sense of wonder.
Researchers on Tap at Fish Lane
Ever wanted to sip and yap with a scientist? Researchers on Tap is your chance to do exactly that. Set against the buzzing backdrop of Fish Lane Arts Precinct, this laid-back evening ditches the lab coats and lecture slides in favour of bar stools and big questions. Pull up a chair, grab your drink of choice and settle in for a one-on-one chat with a researcher who’s ready to talk shop – minus the jargon. There’s no stage, no spotlight and no such thing as a silly question. Just real chats, insights and plenty of those “wait, what?!” moments that make science seriously cool.
LIVE: What’s that Rash?
Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor bring their hit ABC podcast What’s That Rash? to the stage for a live, laugh-filled exploration into everything from health myths to wellness questions. Expect sharp insights, surprising facts and plenty of audience interaction at Queensland Museum Kurilpa.
LIVE: What the Duck?
Things will get wonderfully weird when Ann Jones hosts the first-ever live recording of ABC Radio National’s What the Duck?!, delivering jaw-dropping facts, expert guests and plenty of hilarity as the natural world gets the speed-dating treatment. It’ll be fast, funny and guaranteed to have you seeing wildlife in a whole new light.
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Bat Night Market
Part performance, part playground for curious minds, Bat Night Market reimagines the future as an immersive night market where bat species are extinct. Rather than taking a seat, audiences move through the space, engaging with tastings, conversations and interactive moments that spark discussion and curiosity. This is a lively, after-dark outing where learning is woven into every sensory detail.
The Science of Sex: Big Ideas with Natasha Mitchell
Let’s talk about sex, baby – or, better yet, let’s talk about how it is embedded in our psychology and contemporary culture. Exploring how science has worked its way between the sheets, this lively panel (moderated by Natasha Mitchell, host of ABC Radio National’s BIG IDEAS) will discuss what really drives our sex lives, how we compare to the animal world, and all of the wonderful ins and outs (pun intended) of sex.
Intrigued? Visit the World Science Festival Brisbane website to view the full program.
This article was written in partnership with our good friends at World Science Festival Brisbane.