Connecting science and community
Inspiring the ACT is the local action to help bring the national Inspiring Australia strategy to life.
Inspiring the ACT tailors STEM engagement to the Canberra community and focuses on supporting individuals, community groups, businesses and organisations to engage the Canberra community in STEM.
Upcoming Events
Fungi are in the air
Saturday 21 June 10am-12pm AEST and Tuesday 24 June 12.30-2.30pm AEST
Did you know that fungi are in the air all around us? But don’t worry it’s not a flying mushroom invasion the way you might imagine.
It is fungal spores.
What is a spore I hear you ask?
Well come along and find out!
Benjamin Schwessinger from The Australian National University will showcase how fungal spores are sampled at the Australian National Botanic Gardens and what we can learn from this data. This is followed by a hands-on activity about the DNA of fungi, open to ages 10+.
Rock Hard! The Geological Cabaret
Saturday 28 June, 7pm AEST, Smiths Alternative
Strap in for a seismic night where the humour is volcanic, the moves are tectonic, and the cleavage is both geological and generous.
This ain’t your school science class – it’s geology with sultry songs, smouldering dance, sharp wit and a shimmer of burlesque. For grown-ups who like their science gneiss and naughty. No safety glasses required…but you might need a fan!
Strictly 18+ audiences only. Contains sexual references, nudity, strong language, puns.
Quantum Physics in the Pub
Sunday 29 June, 7pm AEST, Smiths Alternative
Dive into the strange and fascinating world of quantum physics with some of Australia’s leading scientists at “Quantum Physics in the Pub” — hosted at Smith’s Alternative.
Join local experts as they unravel the mysteries of the quantum realm in a fun, relaxed, and entertaining setting. Whether you’re intrigued by a wave-particle duality or still wondering if Schrödinger’s cat is dead or alive, this event blends science with storytelling for an unforgettable night.
Grab a drink, meet like-minded curious minds, and enjoy lively, accessible talks where complex ideas are served in bite-sized, equation-free pieces. No background in physics is needed — just bring your curiosity!
Free!
Science Goes Pop part 2: Discover the Art
Thursday 3 July, 5pm AEST, Smiths Alternative
How do we excite our imagination about science through comics?
Join six Canberra artists as they explore the power of comics to communicate science. They will unveil their new artwork, inspired by talks from six (inter)national comics scholars. Come discover the art, grab a drink, and mingle madly!
This “Science goes Pop” event invites you to join 6 Canberra-based artists and 6 comics scholars in exploring science and research through the medium of comics and illustration. Discover how Canberra artists were inspired by comics scholars from Canberra, Sydney, Yokohama and Tokyo, and how they transformed research into novel artworks! You can also purchase some work from the artists themselves.
Tickets not required, just come along and discover.
