Upcoming Gigs
From curiosity to change: how discovery science transforms our world
Join us for a panel discussion on the value of discovery science and the role of fundamental research in shaping the world around us.
Alanta will be hosting this panel of distinguished researchers to discuss the value of discovery science.
Some of the greatest scientific breakthroughs began with questions that seemed abstract, obscure at the time. Yet history shows that foundational, curiosity-driven research regularly spark revolutions in human understanding and ultimately the way we live our lives and interact with the planet (and beyond).
In 2025, the University’s own Professor Richard Robson was awarded the Nobel Prize for discoveries that began as curiosity driven investigations into how molecules could be structured but ultimately paved the way for major advances in fields ranging from clean energy storage to catalysis. His achievement is a powerful reminder that transformative innovation often begins with curiosity.
Hear from researchers whose fields were reshaped by work like Professor Robson’s, and learn how foundational research in chemistry, physics, biology and mathematics leads to real-world impact – often in unexpected ways.
Date and time: 6pm August 12
Location: JH Michell Theatre (G01), Peter Hall Building (160), University of Melbourne
Beaker Street Festival, Tasmania 2026
No one came for your data: Why Good Science Communication Isn’t about Science
This workshop explores how to talk about science without losing people. We'll rummage around in the why and how of science communication for broad audiences — and challenge you to contemplate your connection with your audience. Instead of focusing on what you want to say, we’ll explore what your audience might want and need from you. Borrowing techniques from the world of comedy, we’ll uncover ways to make your communication more personal, engaging and memorable, while building a stronger engagement with those listening to you. We’ll also explore the often-overlooked “what next?” of science engagement: how to leave people curious, inspired, and ready to keep exploring.
When: August 14
In Conversation: Patricia Piccinini and Professor Melissa Little
Join us for a very special in-conversation event between renowned artist Patricia Piccinini and international stem cell expert Professor Melissa Little, moderated by Alanta Colley.
Patricia and Melissa will reflect on creativity, scientific innovation in stem cell research and societal impact, exploring how art can help us make sense of science and a field moving toward once‑unimaginable solutions.
The discussion will be anchored in Patricia’s new artwork Células Madre, commissioned for the EMERGENCE[Y] exhibition.
Células Madre revisits Patricia’s 2002 Still Life with Stem Cells and reflects the technological advances made in the last two decades. It explores innovation in research, the implication for future generations and the hope that is felt at the potential to cure the currently incurable.
When: August 15
Where: Science Gallery Melbourne, University of Melbourne
Sci Fight Science Comedy Debate
Is it too late to save the internet? Is there a way to regulate or amputate the good from the bad? Or should we take this as our cue to finally log off and, as the philosopher formerly known as Twitter likes to say, go touch grass.
It might just be weapons-grade millennial nostalgia, but the internet really did seem better when all we needed was a profile song, an aggressively customised wallpaper, and a place to post cryptic song lyrics after a breakup. No matter how bad your day was, you still had a friend and that friend was Tom from Myspace.
Now the internet infested with link rot, digital decay and website obsolescence; enshitification driven by recursively nested AIs; swallowing and regurgitating their own content like a bloated Ouroborous, phishing scams, and AI videos you need a masters in digital forensics to distinguish from real content. It’s home to new and interesting ways for people to be awful, such as assassination markets, deep fakes and fibre-maxxers.
See the brilliant design nerd Julian O'Shea, award nominated and Aunty Donna affiliate Mish Wittrup, presenter of the ABC Science Show journo Bel Smith; funny zoologist Rohan Long, darling heart comedy man podcaster, producer and writer Sammy Petersen, and return offender our beloved comic Maddy Weeks. Hosted as always by Alanta Colley
When: August 20, 7pm
Where: Howler Brunswick, 7-11 Dawson Street, BRUNSWICK VIC 3056
Trivia at Melbourne Museum
Come along for Melbourne's nerdiest trivia that will challenge your logic circuits, stress-test your year 10 biology class chops, and reward those who read the descriptions on Melbourne Museum's exhibits. Hosted by science communicator, comedian and public health nerd Alanta Colley!
When: September 3 and November 5
Where: Melbourne Museum: 11 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053
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