In a landmark moment aboard the Apollo 8 space mission in 1968, astronaut William Anders captured the iconic Earthrise photograph, revealing our planet as a delicate blue marble set against the vast blackness of space. This historic image, the first to show Earth in color from space, forever changed our collective perspective.
Fast forward over fifty years, and the Sydney Science Festival 2024 is set to bring together leading creatives and scientists from around the globe who are challenging and expanding our understanding of the sky, our land, and each other.
Celebrating its tenth year, the festival will take place from 10–17 August, coinciding with National Science Week. This year’s program features an impressive lineup of local and international speakers who are at the forefront of their fields, pushing the boundaries of knowledge about our skies, landscapes, and the intricate connections that bind us all.
The festival will host a series of free and ticketed events, including talks, workshops, and interactive programs, across various venues in Sydney such as Powerhouse Castle Hill, Sydney Observatory, Parramatta Town Hall, Parramatta Square, and the University of Technology Sydney.
Among the esteemed speakers are pioneering spaceship designer and space entrepreneur Dr. Susmita Mohanty, who will delve into the challenges of building sustainable habitats beyond Earth, and Columbia University’s Physics and Astronomy Professor Janna Levin, who will discuss the cutting-edge technologies driving space missions.
Space environmentalist Associate Professor Moriba Jah and artist Trevor Paglen will explore the topic of our crowded skies, while Australia’s first female astronaut and Director of Space Technology at the Australian Space Agency, Katherine Bennell-Pegg, will join artist Xin Liu to discuss the implications of zero gravity on creative practices and space travel.
A highlight of the festival will be the Sydney Science Festival Family Day at Parramatta Square on Saturday, 17 August. Presented by Powerhouse in partnership with the City of Parramatta, the event promises a day full of hands-on experiments, demonstrations, coding, and Minecraft workshops, catering to families and young science enthusiasts.
High-school students from Greater Sydney are invited to participate in special programming featuring Bennell-Pegg, Jah, and remote sensing scientist Dr. Maya Nasr as part of the Lang Walker Family Academy program.
Sydney Science Festival 2024 is proudly supported by the NSW Government, underscoring its commitment to connecting communities with science and innovation both in Australia and internationally. Foundational University Partners for the festival include Western Sydney University and the University of Technology Sydney.
NSW Minister for Arts and Tourism John Graham commented, “The Sydney Science Festival plays a pivotal role in showcasing creativity and innovation in New South Wales. By bringing together leading minds in science and the arts, the festival inspires curiosity, fosters new discoveries, and celebrates our state’s commitment to scientific advancement.”
Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah added, “The Powerhouse holds Australia’s most significant collections of science, technology, and design. The Festival represents our dedication to connecting industry and community to profile the extraordinary work and achievements of our science leaders.”
Powerhouse Unveils Sydney Science Festival 2024 added by Indian newspaper Sydney on
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