Science and Country. Weaving Knowledge Together

Join us for the official NSW launch of National Science Week 2026 with a special evening exploring how Indigenous knowledge and Western science are working together to deepen our understanding of the world around us.

Doors open at 5.30pm for a 6.00pm start.

Hosted at Science Space, University of Wollongong, this free community event will be officially launched by The Hon. Paul Scully MP, NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong.

We'll start with a panel discussion on the importance of Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing, including observation, reflection and learning from Country, and how these approaches can inform scientific understanding today.

Researchers are developing a collaborative piece that weaves Aboriginal and Western knowledge to highlight the important role Grandfather Sun plays in our health and wellbeing, and the relationship between Mother Earth, Father Sky and Grandmother Moon (our four primary carers).

You'll discover how the rising sun and the morning chorus of kookaburras help set our body clocks and stimulate serotonin, our "feel-good" hormone. The discussion will also explore observations of these four carers, the science of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, why too much exposure increases the risk of skin cancer, while some sunlight is essential for vitamin D production. Learn how observing something as simple as the length of your shadow, a practice grounded in both observation and science, can help guide sun-safe behaviour, and the importance of Aboriginal ways of caring for Mother Earth, Father Sky and Grandmother Moon for healthy ecosystems.

After the panel, enjoy canapés while meeting the speakers and exploring the interactive exhibits at Science Space.

The evening concludes with a screening in the Science Space Planetarium of The Earth Above: A Deep Time View of Australia's Epic History. This immersive experience combines scientific discoveries with First Nations knowledge to tell Australia's remarkable story through deep time, offering new perspectives on Country, landscape and our shared history.

Canapés are included, with drinks available for purchase.

This is a free event, open to all, but registration is requested.

SPEAKERS

Our panel includes leading researchers and educators collaborating on this research from the University of Wollongong:

Dr Crystal Arnold, a Gundungurra woman, whose research brings together Aboriginal cultural and scientific knowledge with environmental science, and a Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences.
Peter Hewitt, a Jerrinja Yuin man, creative practitioner and Senior Lecturer in Aboriginal Education, whose work focuses on embedding Country and Indigenous knowledge within research and education.
Associate Professor Anthony McKnight, an Awabakal and Gamilaraay academic, Director of Culture and Community at Early Start and Associate Professor within UOW's Indigenous Strategy Unit.
Associate Professor Theresa Larkin, from the Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, whose research focuses on clinical anatomy, hormones and health.
Dr Darren Saunders, Deputy NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer.

The panel will be hosted by Emily Jateff, Chair of Inspiring NSW.

Contact the host of NSW Launch of 2026 National Science Week: Science and Country

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