Swinburne celebrates the seeds of discovery for National Science Week

Curiosity and discovery took centre stage at Swinburne University of Technology’s National Science Week 2026 celebrations, with researchers, staff, students and alumni coming together to explore the people and ideas driving scientific progress.

Held on Friday 21 August, the theme Seeds of Science: Nurturing knowledge for all, showcased the diverse pathways into science and Swinburne’s commitment to inspiring future generations of researchers, innovators and problem-solvers.

The event was also attended by Member for Hawthorn, John Pesutto.

When talking about the impact of National Science Week, Swinburne’s Chief Scientist, Professor Virginia Kilborn, said that it is an opportunity to celebrate the people behind discovery and inspire others to explore where science can take them. 

“Science is driven by curiosity, from asking questions and testing ideas to following where the evidence leads. National Science Week gives us a chance to share this process with our community and show how discovery can start with a simple question".

Professor Kilborn added “By connecting our community with researchers and innovators, we hope to inspire the next generation to explore the possibilities of science.”

Celebrating the journey behind discovery

The Seeds of Science Festival gave visitors the opportunity to connect with Swinburne researchers and explore how science is addressing real-world challenges across fields including astronomy, environmental chemistry, astrobiology, biomechanics and technology.

The Seeds of Curiosity: The Journeys Behind Discovery session featured Dr Daniel Eldridge, Dr Matt Shaw and Heyhey Jhou, who shared insights into their research, career pathways and the experiences that shaped their work.

Through Swinburne’s immersive Virtual Universe, visitors were also able to experience planets, moons, black holes and the Milky Way through interactive 3D visualisations led by Professor Matthew Bailes.

The Festival Hub brought together student clubs, interactive activities and science displays. Highlights included LaunchLabz, a new Swinburne spinout founded by Swinburne researchers Dr Sara Webb and Dr Rebecca Allen, which connects students with real-world space science through Mission Kits featuring seeds that travelled to the International Space Station. Visitors also explored how stop-motion LEGO animations can teach maths through an activity led by Dr Emily Cook.

The festival concluded with the flagship panel event, Seeds of Discovery: From Idea to Breakthrough, where four Swinburne researchers shared their STEM journeys and reflected on the role of curiosity, persistence and collaboration in scientific discovery.

Dr Kirsten Banks, Professor Adam Deller, Associate Professor Faith Kwa and Dr Greg Davis, shared their experiences as researchers, including the challenges they encountered and the role their work plays in solving global challenges.

The panel was emceed by Swinburne’s National Science Week Ambassador Dr Inge Gnatt, registered psychologist, scientist and educator, whose research explores mental health and wellbeing.

By connecting communities with researchers, celebrating diverse pathways into science and showcasing research with real-world impact, Swinburne’s Seeds of Science Festival demonstrated the important role science plays in shaping a more innovative and sustainable future.