The Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science (CPAS) is the leading centre in Australia for research, education and practice in science communication and engagement.
The Centre’s mission is to encourage a confident democratic ownership of modern science nationally and internationally by increasing science awareness in the community, fostering public dialogue about science, and improving the communication skills of scientists.
CPAS was the first science communication centre in Australia. It was one of the first globally to recognise the importance of communicating science in ways that engage public audiences, including with underserved communities and young people. It was established to teach, research and conduct outreach activities in the disciplinary area of science communication. Today, CPAS is a global leader in the field, with collaborations across our region and the world.
CPAS is based in the ANU College of Systems and Society from 2025, with students drawn from all areas of science and cross-disciplinary areas of the social sciences, humanities, law and policy. It was originally based in the ANU College of Systems and Society.
As science and its relationship to society is changing in unprecedented ways, CPAS is reimagining science communication for the 21st century.