What is happening at UOW during 2025 National Science Week
Join us for a range of events and activities across numerous campuses and - of course - at UOW Science Space.
- Allan Sefton Memorial Lecture
- Career paths in physics seminar and panel discussion
- Communication in STEM Careers!
- Einstein Lecture
- Indigenous Science Evening
- Live ABC Illawarra Radio Broadcasts – UOW Wollongong
- Marie Curie Lecture
- Science on the South Coast - UOW Eurobodalla
- Science on the South Coast - UOW Shoalhaven
- The Antarctic: A global challenge with local implications
- Science Week at Early Start Discovery Space
Allan Sefton Memorial Lecture
When: Thursday, 14 August 2025, 5.30 pm - 8.30 pm
Where: Lecture Theatre 3, Building 20, UOW Wollongong campus & Online
The Allan Sefton Memorial Lecture is held annually and is named in honour of the late Allan Sefton, who was well-known as a naturalist and conservator of the environment. The Lecture is a public occasion where a distinguished Australian scientist or environmental advocate speaks on a topic of wide environmental interest.
This year's guest speaker is Honorary Senior Professor Colin V. Murray-Wallace, who will be delivering a presentation titled "Long-term coastal environmental changes in southern Australia and the transition to a modern world – A personal Odyssey with reflections on the importance of geohistory."
Career paths in physics seminar and panel discussion
When: Wednesday, 6 August, 2025, 5 pm - 6.30 pm
Where: UOW Wollongong - Building 6, room 210 or online via Zoom
Curious about the career paths a physics degree can offer? Join us for an engaging seminar featuring a panel of accomplished physicists working across academia, industry, research, and healthcare. Whether you are thinking about a career in physics or already studying physics, this is a chance to explore what's possible.
Communication in STEM Careers!
When: Wednesday, 20 August, 2025, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Where: 67.107, Wollongong Campus
Going viral with STEM- Walt Carroll's journey on TikTok
Join UOW alumnus Dr Walt Caroll as he shares his journey from Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry to TikTok science sensation! No matter what you’re studying or where you want your career to take you, Walt will demonstrate how good communication skills can get you there.
Ever wonder how a science degree can lead to internet stardom?
Or maybe you just want to improve your employability by boosting your communication skills!
Join us for an inspiring session with UOW alumnus Dr Walt Carroll! Hear firsthand as this Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry grad shares his incredible journey from the lab bench to becoming a viral TikTok science sensation.
No matter what you're studying or where you envision your career, Dr Carroll will show you how powerful communication skills are your ultimate tool for success. Don't miss this chance to learn how to make your voice heard and achieve your goals!
Plus, Stick Around for "Careers Under the Microscope"!
Following Dr Carroll's talk, join us for a special connections hour designed to boost your professional presence:
- Socials Reviewed with a Professional Lens: Get personalised feedback on your online profiles.
- LinkedIn Headshot Station: Get a fresh, professional headshot for your LinkedIn profile – absolutely FREE!
- Afternoon tea on us!
This is your chance to connect, refine your digital presence, and take the next step in your career journey.
Entanglement Levels Up: Quantum Information Using the Shape of Light
When: Thursday, 21 August, 2025. Doors open 6 pm. Lecture will commence 6.30 pm and conclude at 7.30 pm (approximately).
Where: UOW Science Space, Puckey Avenue, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong
Cost: $5 which includes a drink and admission to the event.nAdditional refreshments will be available for purchase on the night. Science Space supports the responsible consumption of alcohol.
Quantum entanglement is the quintessential quantum phenomenon. This talk will give an introduction to entanglement, its importance and implications. Photons played an instrumental role in the experiments that established the reality (aha!) of entanglement. Photons are rich physical systems that are not limited to representing the ubiquitous qubit - photons are naturally high-dimensional, they can be qudits. In particular, the transverse modes—the shape—of light forms a convenient quantum alphabet for high-dimensional quantum information. This talk will introduce qudits, high-dimensional entanglement, and their potential for quantum technologies.
Speaker
Dr Jacq Romero is an expert in experimental photonic quantum information. Her research is focused on using higher-dimensional systems for exploring curious quantum physics phenomena and developing future quantum technologies. She is the group leader of the research team Qudits@UQ. Jacq was born and bred in Manila, Philippines. Hearing her high school physics teacher complain about quantum physics, she became curious and googled "quantum physics"—she has been hooked ever since. She holds a PhD degree from the University of Glasgow where she was a researcher for seven years. In 2015, she moved to the University of Queensland, where is currently an Associate Professor. She has received prestigious awards and fellowships that include a 2016 ARC DECRA, a 2019 Westpac Research Fellowship, and a 2019 L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women In Science International Rising Talent Award (1 of 15 awards globally). She received the Ruby Payne-Scott Medal of the Australian Institute of Physics in 2018 for excellence in early-career research. She is a Chief Investigator at the ARC Centre of Excellence For Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS) and the Deputy Director of the ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre on Current and Emergent Quantum Technologies (CEQuTech). Outside work, she is a busy mum to three lovely boys, and an occasional painter.
About the Einstein Lecture
The Einstein Lecture is an annual public event run by the NSW Branch of The Australian Institute of Physics during the past 15 years. Distinguished speakers have covered a wide range of topics with an emphasis on Einstein’s ideas and their consequences for physics and technology today. Topics can range from quantum computing to plasma physics to astrophysics. The aim of the talks is to generate interest by exciting the audience to the wonders of physics by providing the most recent advances by world experts.
Indigenous Science Evening
Yarning About the Science That Has Always Been Here: A cultural yarn guided by the teachings of Gurawul (Whale) and Buru (Kangaroo) about connectedness of Country.
When: Wednesday, 13 August, 2025, 6 pm
Where: UOW Science Space, Puckeys Avenue, Innovation Campus, Wollongong
Canapés will be served following the feature presentations.
Yarning About the Science That Has Always Been Here is a cultural yarn guided by the movement and teachings of Gurawul (Whale) and Buru (Kangaroo), who continue to teach us about the connectedness of Country. Through story and science, we will explore how Gurawul’s journey speaks to migration, birthing, and oneness, while Buru’s grounded movement reveals knowledge of ecology, balance, and responsibility. This yarn invites us to remember that science is ancient; it has always been here, carried in songlines, in movement, and in Country.
Dr Crystal Arnold
Dr Crystal Arnold is a Gundungurra woman and academic based in the School of Social Sciences at the University of Wollongong. Her work is grounded in Country and weaves across the disciplines of human geography, education, and green criminology. Crystal’s research centres Yuin ways of knowing and learning, demonstrating how Indigenous ontologies can inform and work alongside contemporary environmental practices, particularly in the context of weed management. She is also a co-lead of Early Start’s child model, Country, Cultures and Communities, which focuses on placing Country at the heart of early childhood education.
Peter Hewit
Peter Hewitt is a Jerrinja Yuin man with deep family, community, kinship and cultural connections, Peter weaves his expertise in education and creative arts in his role as a Senior Lecturer in Aboriginal Education at the University of Wollongong to help care for Country. He is currently undertaking a PhD focussed on Country-centred approaches to curriculum in Initial Teacher Education and is the co-lead of the Country, Contexts, and Cultures focus area at the Early Start Institute, illustrating his commitment to respectful, Country-centred research. Peter's contemporary painting practice spans over two decades, reflected through solo exhibitions and prestigious art prize recognitions. His paintings are housed in public collections at institutions including Wollongong City Gallery, Shoalhaven Regional Gallery, and have been in numerous art prizes including Parliament of NSW Aboriginal Art Prize and National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards.
ABC Radio Illawarra Live Broadcast - Drive with Lindsay McDougall
When: Wednesday, 13 August, 2025: 3 pm - 6 pm
Where: Come along and join us in-person at UOW UniBar or listen live via 97.3FM, ABC Illawarra online or the ABC Listen App.
To celebrate National Science Week, ABC Illawarra Drive with Lindsay McDougall will be broadcast live from the heart of campus from 3 pm to 6 pm.
Throughout the show, there will be a diverse range of live interviews of UOW academics, professional staff and research students. From biomechanics to biodiversity, caves and climate science to cancer drug development. Also hear pre-recorded interviews of Lindsay immersing himself in exhibits at the Science Space, experiencing Biology lab classes and seeing what our skin can tell us about our diet.
You can also join the UniBar Trivia from 5:30 pm, featuring a special Science Week round on the human body that will be broadcast live, with prizes.
Bring your curiosity, and experience science in the spotlight. Whether you're tuning in on the radio or dropping by in person, this is your backstage pass to science education and research that matters.
Marie Curie Lecture
When: Thursday, 7 August, 2025, 6 pm - 8 pm
Where: UOW Science Space, Puckey Avenue, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong
Join us in Wollongong to celebrate the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology! This public lecture is part of the Marie Curie Lecture series, sponsored by the Australian Institute of Physics, and will include the medal presentation to the 2025 Women in Physics Lecturers.
From Quantum Past to Quantum Future
The first quantum century fundamentally changed the way we understand and interact with our world. It gave us much of the technology underpinning modern life: lasers, LEDs, GPS, MRI, solar cells, electron microscopes, and myriad others. The revolutionary potential of the next quantum century promises applications necessary for solving our greatest global challenges. Join us in celebrating the first quantum century, and enjoy a rare opportunity to hear how two different approaches are shaping your quantum future, from quantum computing to superconducting spintronics.
Speakers
- Dr Sol Jacobsen is Group Leader at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology NTNU, where she investigates ways to use the quantum property of spin in future technological devices. She studied Physics with Philosophy at the University of York, U.K., where she was awarded the Goodwin Prize. After receiving her Ph.D. at the University of Tasmania, she worked as a postdoctoral researcher in Germany and Norway, before establishing her group in 2019. She was selected as Outstanding Academic Fellow at NTNU, and will start her new project – SuperFlex – in 2025. Her three children keep her busy the rest of the time.
- Dr Danielle Holmes makes ‘qubits’ using individual atoms in silicon chips. These qubits are the building blocks of quantum computers, new technology that will revolutionise humanity’s problem-solving abilities. She received her undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Cambridge, before exploring the technologies used to build quantum computers during her PhD at the University of Melbourne. Now at UNSW as a Postdoctoral Researcher and Lecturer, Danielle is a passionate science outreach communicator. She shares her love for quantum physics well beyond the laboratory- having even performed at the Sydney Comedy Festival!
Science on the South Coast - UOW Eurobodalla
When: Friday, 15 August, 2025, 2:45 pm - 4:45 pm
Where: UOW Eurobodalla, 1 Hanging Rock Place, Batemans Bay
Explore the University of Wollongong Eurobodalla campus as it transforms into a hub of science activities.
This is a free event and all are welcome. There is something for all ages and interests. Spend the afternoon exploring hands-on interactive science stations where everyone can experiment and discover freely. Then, be captivated by your exciting live science showcase: The best of UOW Science Space.
This Inspiring Australia initiative is supported by the Australian Government as part of National Science Week, in collaboration with Eurobodalla Shire Council.
Science on the South Coast - UOW Shoalhaven
When: Saturday, 16 August, 2025 - 10 am - 3 pm
Where: UOW Shoalhaven, George Evans Rd, West Nowra
Explore the University of Wollongong Shoalhaven campus as it transforms into a hub of science activities. This is a free event and all are welcome. There is something for all ages and interests.
Come along to:
- See UOW Motorsport’s latest Formula-style EV
- Attend the captivating live showcase: The best of UOW Science Space.
- Launch a rocketMeet some reptiles with the Dragon Training mobile zoo
- Battle in the LEGO Robotics sessions by Project Bucephalus
- Tour the on-site observatory and look through a telescope
- Look at and hold anatomy models of body parts
- Test dummy patients in medicine and nursing
- See your muscles move via ultrasound
- Experience sensory anatomical models for those with low/no vision
Our cafe will be open and the Bomaderry Nowra Lions Club food van will be on campus selling food and drinks.
The Antarctic: A global challenge with local implications
When: Tuesday, 12 August, 2025, 5 pm - 7 pm
Where: UOW Science Space
Join us for an engaging event hosted by the Distinguished Professors Alliance. With a commitment to strengthening UOW’s global research presence and supporting EMCRs (early and mid-career researchers) on the international stage, we are proud to present this event.
Safeguarding Antarctica: Australia’s stewardship and scientific leadership
Australia claims 42 per cent of Antarctica, encompassing two world-heritage-listed sub-Antarctic islands, and plays a critical role in Antarctic governance. With 98 per cent of the continent blanketed in ice, Antarctica’s future is intertwined with the health of Australia and the Pacific region. Protecting the Antarctic environment—and its vast ice—remains essential in the fight against climate change.
Don’t miss this chance to learn how research, technology, and policy are converging to protect Antarctica and safeguard our climate future.
New tools for remote monitoring of Antarctic ecosystems
Sharon Robinson AM, Melinda Waterman & Johan Barthélemy (NVIDIA)
Discover cutting-edge technologies that are transforming how we observe and protect the unique ecosystems of Antarctica from afar.
The eco-climate nexus: Interrogating Antarctica’s ecosystems with spatial-statistical inferences
Noel Cressie FAA & Andrew Zammit Mangion
Explore the latest research applying advanced spatial and statistical methods to better understand the dynamic relationship between Antarctica’s ecosystems and global climate.
Regulating the frozen south: Australia and the Antarctic Treaty System
Stuart Kaye OAM & Constance Johnson
Gain insights into Australia’s legal and diplomatic contributions to Antarctic governance, and the framework protecting the world’s last great wilderness.
Science Week at Early Start Discovery Space
When: Monday, 11 August, 2025, 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Where: Early Start Discovery Space - Building 21 University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong NSW 2500
Cost: FREE with paid entry to Early Start Discovery Space
Join academics from the School of Education and UOW Bachelor of Primary Education Students, who will deliver two unique science experiences exploring this years Science Week theme; Decoding the Universe - Exploring the unknown with nature's hidden language.
Experiences:
9:30 am - Explore patterns through assembling objects and investigating colours!
10:30 am - Take the wheel of Sphero Robots to race, roll, and navigate obstacle in a hands-on robotics playground!