Eight Aussie LGBTQIA+ scientists. Queer code-breaking math hero. Sex-ed on stage.
National Science Week
Great National Science Week QUEER stories up for grabs now around Australia
- Queer eye for AI: modern mathematician explores Alan Turing’s legacy – Sydney, NSW
- Scientist puts sex-ed on stage in The Clitoral Chronicles – Hobart, TAS
- The hidden history of Australia’s LGBTQIA+ scientists – Canberra, ACT
- Help fix Wikipedia’s women problem - Acton, ACT
- Scitech for trans and gender diverse WA – West Perth, WA
- Quantum physics and life collide in a graphic novel - Melbourne, VIC
More on these below and visit ScienceWeek.net.au/events to find more stories in your area.
Scientists, experts, performers and event organisers are available for interview throughout National Science Week.
Read on for direct contact details for each event, or contact Tanya Ha, [email protected] or 0404 083 863.
Visit the Media Centre for all media releases and images available for media use.
From lab-grown meat to life-saving medicine – Sydney, NSW
Queer eye for AI: modern mathematician explores Alan Turing’s legacy – Sydney, NSW
Alan Turing (1912-1954) was a brilliant mathematician, World War II code-breaker, founder of computer science, philosopher and theoretical biologist. Turing’s mathematical legacy continues to shape computing, codebreaking, AI and mathematical logic – much of it completed before the first programmable computer existed.
However, in 1952 Turing was prosecuted for homosexual acts and was given a hormone treatment, commonly referred to as chemical castration, as an alternative to prison. He died aged 41 in 1954 from cyanide poisoning but posthumously received an official public apology from the British Prime Minister in 2009 for “the appalling way [Turing] was treated”.
Prof Benjamin Burton is a software developer, University of Queensland mathematician, and a Queensland representative of Queers in Science. In a National Science Week lecture, he explores Turing's life, some of his most important and surprising results, and discusses how they continue to influence mathematics and computing today.
Friday 21 August: www.scienceweek.net.au/event/alan-turings-legacy-computers-ai-and-some-very-queer-mathematics-national-science-week-public-lecture-by-benjamin-burton
Media enquiries: Susanna Smith, Sydney Mathematical Research Institute, University of Sydney, [email protected] or 0431 878 114.
Watch a recording of Ben speaking on this topic.
Scientist puts sex-ed on stage in The Clitoral Chronicles – Hobart, TAS
The Clitoral Chronicles lifts the hood on the most misunderstood organ in biology: the clitoris!
The clitoris has been overlooked, under-appreciated and literally written out of history for centuries, but now Dr Tiana Pirtle, who has a PhD in reproductive ecology and physiology, is putting it centre-stage. She is joined by props and performers wearing sparkly clitoris and penis costumes.
Blending comedy, physical theatre, outrageous anatomical costumes and wild true stories from the animal kingdom, the show flips outdated ideas about sex, gender and science on their head — and puts female and LGBTQIA+ perspectives centre stage.
Dr Pirtle’s previous show ‘Vaginal Vignettes’ shared the stories of the multi-chambered vaginas and temporary passages, elongated clitorises, pseudo-penises, vaginas that can sort sperm, and armoured vaginal openings that put female animals in the driver’s seat of reproduction and evolution.
Read a UTas article about her work. Hear her on the Science Vs episode ‘When vaginas attack!’.
Friday 21 August and Saturday 22 August: www.scienceweek.net.au/event/the-clitoral-chronicles-4/hobart/
Media enquiries: Tiana Pirtle, [email protected] or 0456 826 322.
The hidden history of Australia’s LGBTQIA+ scientists – Canberra, ACT
Queer Food founder and trans man Andy de Groot is a law graduate turned sous chef turned social entrepreneur. He is turning his attention to sharing the stories of an LGBTQIA+ scientist from each of Australia’s eight states and territories in a walking tour of Canberra, starting at Questacon.
At each of eight stops, participants will hear the story of an inspiring scientist, learn how their work has helped shape the world we live in today, and enjoy a small food tasting inspired by the scientist’s life, research or home state.
Saturday 15 August: www.scienceweek.net.au/event/queer-food-taste-of-pride-walking-tour-national-science-week/parkes/
Media enquiries: Andy de Groot, [email protected] or 0433 804 551.
Help fix Wikipedia’s women problem - Acton, ACT
Women are featured in less than 20% of Wikipedia’s 1.5 million biographical pages. The Australian National University is calling for Canberrans to help close this gap in a free workshop where participants will update or create Wikipedia biographies for women and gender-diverse scientists.
‘Inclusive Biographies in STEMM’ is hosted by The Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science in partnership with WikiMedia Australia.
Wikipedia is a vital source of information online. Not only are its articles prioritised by search engines, the entire database has been scraped millions of times by AI agents. The content gender gap reflects the mostly-male volunteer editors who write and maintain Wikipedia’s articles, as well as the historical minimisation of women’s contributions in science, technology and culture.
Saturday 22 August. www.scienceweek.net.au/event/inclusive-biographies-in-stemm-project-a-mini-wiki-hackathon/acton
Media enquiries: SJ Barnes, [email protected].
Scitech for trans and gender diverse WA – West Perth, WA
Transfolk WA and Scitech open the centre for an evening built for trans and gender diverse Western Australians, beginning with a Welcome to Country and then the run of the exhibits at your own pace.
Trans and gender diverse volunteers will be on hand throughout, and the space is sensory-considered: lighting adjusted, quiet spaces available, earplugs and fidget tools on hand, and Auslan interpretation provided.
Information on study options, careers, community programs and further learning will be available for anyone looking for a way into STEM.
Saturday 12 September: www.scienceweek.net.au/event/transfolk-scitech
Media enquiries: Sam Gibbings, Transfolk WA, [email protected]
Quantum physics and life collide in The Friendship Paradox - Brunswick East, VIC
In The Friendship Paradox(Allen & Unwin 2026) scientist-turned-artist Aśka (pronounced Ash-ka) tries to use physics to navigate life. Aśkais launching their latest graphic novel with a workshop teaching teens how very simple drawings can capture movement, emotion and some complicated ideas.
Aśka’s previous title Stars in Their Eyes (Scholastic, 2023) was a 2024 CBCA Notable Book, Stonewall Honor Book and nominated for the Comic Arts Awards of Australia.
Monday 10 August: www.scienceweek.net.au/event/the-science-of-comics-draw-ideas-bend-brains-in-a-good-way/brunswick-east
Media enquiries: Michael Earp, [email protected] 03 7048 4703
Aśka (she/they) is available for media interviews.
National Science Week: background
National Science Week is Australia’s annual opportunity to meet scientists, discuss hot topics, do science and celebrate its contribution to our lives. Science drives economic and social change – from safe and nutritious food to reducing cancer deaths; from smart phones to AI; from under Antarctica’s ice floes to distant planets.
First held in 1997, National Science Week has become one of Australia’s largest festivals. Last year about 3 million people participated in more than 2,500 registered events and activities.
National Science Week 2026 runs from Saturday 15 to Sunday 23 August. Event details can be found at www.scienceweek.net.au.
National Science Week is proudly supported by the Australian Government, alongside key partners Questacon, CSIRO, the Australian Science Teachers Association, and ABC Science.
