The Science Social
This annual science get-together offers an evening of discovery, research highlights and engaging conversations hosted in collaboration with Botanic Gardens of Sydney and University of Technology Sydney.
Ages: 18+ years
Join us at the Australian Museum for the Science Social, a special after-hours event presented by the Sydney Science Trail designed for the science community to connect, explore and be curious. Hosted by whale and wildlife scientist Dr Vanessa Pirotta, the evening brings together like-minded science enthusiasts for an evening of live music, science interactions and experiences.
Take part in our fast-paced Meet a Scientist session and hear firsthand about the breadth of research across the Australian Museum and Botanic Gardens of Sydney. Enjoy a science talk from our partner, the University of Technology Sydney, and explore the museum after hours with access to ground floor galleries, free access to the Bloodsuckers exhibition and drop-in science activations throughout the night.
This is a free event for all science enthusiasts. Register now and receive a complimentary drink from the pop-up bar upon arrival.
© Vanessa Pirotta
Dr Vanessa Pirotta is one of Australia’s leading wildlife scientists, known for pioneering innovative conservation technologies, from whale snot drones to AI used to combat illegal wildlife trafficking. A passionate science communicator and conservation advocate, she has been recognised as one of the Australian Financial Review’s Top 100 Women of Influence and Science & Technology Australia’s Superstars of STEM.
Her work includes the Tongan Whale Tourism Project in the Kingdom of Tonga and the Wild Sydney Harbour citizen science program, developed with First Nations Gamay Rangers to bring together Indigenous Knowledge and contemporary science. An acclaimed author, trusted media voice and science presenter, Vanessa is helping shape how people understand, value and protect the natural world.
Activities included in the Science Social
Science Expo
Location: Gallery entrance in Hintze Hall
Wander through our Science Expo stalls and chat citizen science, frogs, fossils, marine science and more. Network with experts from over 20 research organisations and universities including the University of Technology Sydney and try your hand at interactive STEM displays.
Floral Dissections
Location: Hintze Hall
Gain an appreciation of the form and function of floral anatomy and the secrets of plant reproduction with floral dissections led by the Botanic Gardens of Sydney team.
Tours of the Museum's Noted! exhibition
Location: Meet at the lift in Hintze Hall
Join Dr Vanessa Finney (Head of Archives and Library) for a special tour of Noted!, where you will get the behind-the-scenes scoop on the Australian Museum's collection of naturalists' notebooks. Together, you will view the notebooks of some of Australia's most renowned naturalists, offering glimpses of how scientists have captured the world around them in field observations, sketches and working notes.
Bloodsuckers: Nature's Vampires
Location: Exhibition Hall (enter via Hintze Hall)
Enjoy free entry to our Bloodsuckers: Nature’s Vampires exhibition and discover the fascinating world of creatures that bite, sting and siphon to survive.
