Science in and out of the Pub: Frogs, Fungus, and Funky Metals

Frogs are falling silent—and scientists are fighting back. Join us for hands-on science, frog saunas, and a twilight wetland walk. Come early from 5:00 pm for drinks and authentic Polish food! Science, stories, and conservation—with a social twist.

Something strange is happening in our wetlands. The frogs are falling silent—and scientists are racing to find out why. Join us for an evening of detective-style science, where real-world conservation meets curiosity, creativity, and community.

At this relaxed, interactive event, you’ll step into the world of amphibian research, where the culprit is a deadly fungus with a name as long as its impact: Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. But this isn’t just a sad story—it’s also one of innovation and hope.

Canberra scientists are experimenting with unexpected tools: frog-sized saunas, spa treatments, and even trace metals like copper and zinc that might give frogs a fighting chance. You’ll hear directly from the researchers, get hands-on in a DIY FrogSauna workshop, and take a twilight walk to see frog health tech in action at a nearby wetland.

This is science you can feel, build, and be part of.

Perfect for the curious, the conservation-minded, or anyone who enjoys learning something new over a drink, Science in and out of the Pub brings research out of the lab and into the community.

And with the reintroduction of a locally extinct frog species on the horizon, your interest and action matter more than ever. Come discover how everyday people—and some weird and wonderful inventions—can help restore the chorus of our wetlands.