Fifteen Perth scientists are set to take the stage during WA Comedy Week
Researchers and academics from top Perth institutions will transform intricate science concepts into entertaining comedy routines at Future Science Talks: Comedy Edition on 27 and 28 November at Scitech. Tickets are available here.
The Science Comedy Program, run by Future Science Talks, aims to boost scientists' confidence, sharpen their public speaking skills, and help them explain science in a clear and engaging way. After touring Australia, the program will now make its Perth debut thanks to support from Inspiring WA and Scitech.
David Crisante, Director of Future Science Talks, shared his excitement about the overwhelming interest from Perth's academic community. "We were initially set for one show, but due to popular demand, we’ve added a second. Given that some people missed out this time, we’re considering returning in early 2025 for the World Fringe," he said.
The lineup features speakers from esteemed Perth institutions such as The University of Western Australia, Curtin University, the Australian Institute of Marine Science, and Edith Cowan University. Each participant will undergo workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions with seasoned speechwriters and comedians to refine their storytelling and joke-writing skills.
Joining the local talent will be Dr. Paul Mason, an alumnus of the Science Comedy Program from Macquarie University. “I had the privilege of participating in the Science Comedy Program and performing at the Sydney Fringe last month, thanks to support from Inspiring Australia NSW. I can’t wait to meet the Perth academics and see how their talks evolve,” Dr. Mason shared.
Speakers include:
Benjamin Smith (UWA) – Ancient rock art
Jessica Wheadon (Curtin) – AI and autism
Johannes Debler (Curtin) – Fungal pathogen genomics
Kat Ross (Curtin) – Astrophysics and baby black holes
Leanda Mason (ECU) – Trapdoor spider conservation
Md Mostafa Haider (Curtin) – Global humanitarianism and law
Sam Xie (Curtin) – Integrated new energy systems
Tamra Kidner (Curtin) – Careers in STEM
Thu Phuong Pham (Curtin) – Financial markets
Tom Gedeon (Curtin) – Responsive/responsible AI
Valeria Mendez (UWA) – Conservation biology
Yasar Taner (UWA) – Offshore pipelines & the environment
Marji Puotinen (AIMS) – Cyclone impacts on coral reefs
David Gozzard (UWA) – Quantum telescopes
Magdalena Wajrak (ECU) – Arsenic
Paul Mason (Macquarie) – Neanderthals
Whether you’re a science enthusiast or simply looking for a good laugh, the Future Science Talks: Comedy Edition is an event not to be missed. For tickets, visit this page.
Interested in joining the Science Comedy Program? Fill out this application form. Future Science Talks is considering additional programs for Perth’s World Fringe in January or the Perth Comedy Festival in May 2025.
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