Like most events that were meant to happen last year, World Science Festival Brisbane was scrubbed from the calendar (thanks for that, COVID). Thankfully for Brisbane brainiacs and Einstein enthusiasts, the mammoth five-day festival is back and bigger than ever. Now in its sixth year, the 2021 World Science Festival Brisbane program will bring science to life with a huge roster of events that both little ones and grown ups alike can enjoy. Coming off a year of unprecedented change, this year’s festival aims to answer the biggest question facing humanity – how science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) hold the key to overcoming current and future challenges for our planet. Kicking off the festivities is City of Science, a city-wide science extravaganza where you can play with your mates and learn some facts that are worthy of a spot in Ripley’s Believe it Or Not!. City-dwellers can watch Australia’s favourite scientist (and everyone’s adopted uncle) Dr Karl in all his glory get experimental at lunchtime in Queen Street Mall, hop to Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium to spot some starry showcases, or tread lightly to West Village to learn some eco-friendly tips and tricks.
Just a short walk from the museum is where event-goers will come across The Nucleus, a lounge-room-meets-laboratory that will be full to the brim with super-fun events. Lovers of hip-hop can tune into a free beatboxing gig before settling in for Lighter Side of Science – an evening filled with trivia, comedy and mind-boggling science simulations ( … and some liquid libations for the thirsty folk). Those looking for some out-of-this-world anecdotes for their dinner table banter can pick up some fun facts at the Science (in) Fiction event, whilst ABC’s Ockham’s Razor will see smarty-pants speakers deliver some super inspiring short talks. Froth fiends can get their fix at the Science of Beer event, where they can learn the secrets of brewing and all things boozy and bubbly.
To get some Neil deGrasse Tyson-level knowledge of how the world works, there is a plethora of clever conversations and brain-tingling talks happening at the festival. Learn how we can pandemic-proof our future at The Pulse of The Pandemic, discover how you can stand up for science at Why Trust a Scientist? and take a celestial journey in Hunting the Cosmic Dawn. Uncover how today’s science and technology can shape the metropolitan areas of the future at Cities 2060 and hear from energy experts at Running The Planet Without Costing The Earth. Science Vs Politics will give a deep insight into how scientific data affect policy making or settle in for Until The End of Time – World Science Festival Brisbane co-founder and renowned physicist Brian Greene’s cinematic journey that kicks off with the big bang and concludes with the end of time. The bonus? This year you can attend the conversations in person – or join the action via live stream from the comfort of your own couch! Our hypothesis? This festival looks to be a damn good time. To check out the full program and to buy tickets, visit the World Science Festival Brisbane website.
The Weekend Edition is an official partner of World Science Festival Brisbane. Expect to see a lot more weird and wonderful events and fun facts popping up on our website leading up to March 24–28.
