Sydney Science Trail

Saving Species: Citizen Science

How can you become involved in species survival? Learn about citizen science projects, how scientists use data collection and the vital role of the public in gathering information that will help identify new species and save threatened species across the world.

Speakers include Nadiah Roslan, FrogID Project Coordinator at the Australian Museum; Prof Martina Doblin, Director and Chief Executive Officer at the Sydney Institute of Marine Science; and Thomas Mesaglio, PhD Student, UNSW iNaturalist Project at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney.

Saving Species: Life on Land

Vital terrestrial ecosystems across the world are becoming endangered. To ensure species survival in Australia and across the world, scientists are working to better understand the essential requirements of animals and their habitat.

Speakers include Samantha Yap, Conservation Genomics Coordinator at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney; Dr Mark Eldridge, Senior Principal Research Scientist, Group Manager Terrestrial Vertebrates at the Australian Museum Research Institute; and Dr Andrew Thornhill, NCW Beadle Herbarium at the University of New England.

Saving Species: Life in the Ocean

Our oceans produce at least 50% of the planet's oxygen and are home to most of Earth's biodiversity. Hear from Sydney-based scientists about the research that is being conducted to ensure the survival of marine species in Australia and across the world. 

Speakers include Dr Yi-Kai Tea, Curator, Ichthyology at the Australian Museum; Elliot Scanes, Marine Biologist at the University of Technology Sydney; and Dr Heidi Kolkert, Lecturer and Collections Manager, Natural History Museum at the University of New England.

Saving Species: Life Under the Microscope

Living things big and small are essential for the survival of species and the health of ecosystems. This talk will look into what part microscopic organisms play in ecosystems and how they are affecting species survival.

Speakers include Dr Lyndle Hardstaff, Postdoctoral Researcher, Australian PlantBank at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney; Dr Matt Shaw, Collection Manager, Arachnology at the Australian Museum; and Dr Andrew Thornhill, NCW Beadle Herbarium at the University of New England.

Saving Species: Regenerating Nature

As climate change starts to impact organisms, we need to look at how adaption and regeneration can ensure species survival. Hear from scientists working on climate change adaption and regeneration projects.

Presented by the Climate Solutions Centre, Australian Museum. 

Speakers include Felix James, Officer of Biodiversity, Sampling (PhD Candidate) at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney; Dr Jenny Newell, Curator of Climate Change at the Australian Museum; and Dr Greta Gaiani, Chancellor's Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Life Sciences at the University of Technology Sydney.

Saving Species: Conservation for the Future

Researchers around the world are working to conserve species in and out of their natural environments. Scientists share how their work is aiding to future-proof and preserve species.

Speakers include Patricia Lu-Irving, Weed Botanist at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney; Dr Isabel Hyman, Research Scientist at the Australian Museum; and Prof Jonathan Webb, School of Life Sciences at the University of Technology Sydney.

Talking Science: Scientific Expeditions

From investigating archaeological artefacts in Papua New Guinea, exploring reefs in the Seychelles, or discovering new plant species in remote parts of the Kimberley, science can take you everywhere. Learn more about the world of scientific expeditions with a panel of passionate researchers from fields including archaeology, marine biology and botany, as they talk about their fascinating research and the places it has taken them.

Speakers include Dr Judith Field, First Nations Archaeology Collections Officer at the Australian Museum; Dr Emma Camp, Future Reefs Team Leader, Climate Change Cluster at the University of Technology Sydney and Peter Jobson, Information Botanist at the Australian Institute of Botanical Science.

Talking Science: Citizen Science

From documenting tree hollows for wildlife, participating in backyard bird counts, and recording frog calls with nothing more than a smartphone, communities are getting hands-on with science and furthering our shared understanding of the world. Join a panel of passionate scientists to hear why there has never been a more important time to become a citizen scientist and find out how your school can get involved.

Speakers include Dr Jodi Rowley, Curator of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Biology at the Australian Museum and UNSW Sydney; Professor David Booth, School of Life Sciences at the University of Technology Sydney and PhD candidate Thomas Mesaglio.

Talking Science: Scientific Innovations

Have you heard about ‘environmental’ DNA, the traces of genetic blueprints left in water, sediments and even air, that could help scientists uncover the secrets of the past? Science is full of new and creative ideas, and scientists are learning to harness technology in ways previously unimaginable. Join this panel of inspiring STEM researchers as they reveal their innovative research, passions and careers.

Speakers include Dr Yi-Kai Tea, Chadwick Biodiversity Research Fellow, Ichthyology at the Australian Museum; Amber Whitebone, PhD Candidate, Palaeoscience Research Centre at the University of New England; and Dr Georgina Meakin, Senior Lecturer, Centre for Forensic Science at the University of Technology Sydney.

Talking Science: Climate Change Solutions

Climate change solutions are already here and we’re seeing people across the world embrace new ways of living sustainably and adopt clean energy technologies. Hear from inspiring and insightful scientists as they discuss how we can all work together to slow the progress of climate change and better deal with its effects.

Speakers include Dr Jenny Newell, Curator, Climate Change at the Australian Museum; Mira Jordon, Technical Officer Biodiversity Genomics from the Botanic Gardens Sydney and Dr Jennifer Matthews, UTS Chancellors Research Fellow, Climate Change Cluster at the University of Technology Sydney.