Wild Science: Tech meets nature at Science Week 2025
Join National Science Week on the Gold Coast from 9–17 August with drones, AI, wildlife tech and citizen science fun.
What’s happening?
The Gold Coast is taking centre stage for National Science Week 2025, running from 9 to 17 August, with a feature event blending nature conservation and cutting-edge technology. Call of the Wild invites locals and online participants to become tech-enabled wildlife protectors using drones, thermal imaging, remote 4G cameras, and artificial intelligence.
At the same time, more than 2,000 events are happening nationwide across diverse sectors including education, health, food, agriculture, arts, business, disability, Indigenous knowledge and science communication.
Why it matters
National Science Week empowers Australians to connect with science in practical, creative, and inclusive ways. The Gold Coast’s Call of the Wild offers real-world conservation skills and contributes to wildlife protection. Meanwhile, other events across the country are breaking boundaries in education, accessibility, environment, and STEM careers.
“We’re giving citizen scientists the skills to support real conservation work. Everyone can contribute to saving our wildlife,” said event organisers.
Local Impact
The Gold Coast event welcomes people of all ages to engage in technology-enhanced conservation. It provides an opportunity for schools, families, and tech-lovers to learn and contribute to protecting local wildlife. With online options, regional participants can also get involved.
By the numbers:
In 2024, 3.4 million people joined 1,983 events during Science Week.
The week generated 6,693 media stories across Australia.
There were 2,307 tracked social media posts celebrating science events nationwide.
Zoom In: Highlights from across Australia
Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide & online: Space farmers wanted! The ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space invites the public to help grow future foods for space missions.
Canberra & Kioloa: Can you stop a global health disaster? Enter A Race for the Antidote Escape Room or explore a parasite zoo.
Lucas Heights, Sydney: Deaf youth will explore the universe at a nuclear science camp tailored for hearing-impaired students.
Moruya: Teens aged 15–18 can become Drone Rangers by building obstacle courses and earning drone accreditation.
Melbourne: Solve environmental crimes in CSI-style forensics workshops housed in a converted shipping container lab.
Gladstone: What’s cooking in 2050? A low-carbon picnic with celebrity chefs reimagines sustainable food futures.
Adelaide, Alice Springs, Perth, Geraldton: Meet the Female Fossil Rockers – Aussie girl-geek band The Ammonites, joined by singing palaeontologist Prof Flint, on a science music tour.
Online & Multimedia: A national Indigenous Knowledge project captures 65,000+ years of science and cultural wisdom through storytelling.
Tasmania: The Young Tassie Scientists hit the road with demos on black holes, microbes, and local science adventures.
Zoom Out
The 2025 theme, Decoding the Universe – Exploring the unknown with nature’s hidden language, aligns with the UNESCO International Year of Quantum Science and Technology and Australia’s hosting of the International Mathematical Olympiad.
National Science Week is backed by the Australian Government, CSIRO, ABC, and the Australian Science Teachers Association.
“August is the month to meet scientists, discuss hot topics, do science and celebrate its cultural, environmental and economic impact on society,” the organisers said.
What To Look For Next?
Visit HERE to register for Call of the Wild and explore other Queensland-based activities.