Media Release, National Science Week – Central Australia, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, 1 July 2025
National Science Week is Australia’s biggest annual celebration of science running from 9 to 17 August 2025. The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) is a recipient of a Commonwealth National Science Week Grant providing individuals and organisations up to $20,000 to support the delivery of science engagement activities during National Science Week 2025.
National Science Week will certainly make an impact in Central Australia in 2025, featuring scientists from MAGNT, astrophysicist Dr. Sara Webb, an all-female palaeontological band and a visit to the Henbury meteorite craters. MAGNT has created a program featuring seven (7) events across multiple venues in Alice Springs and surrounds. This program will educate and astound visitors about the broader universe, and what Central Australia’s fossil record can tell us about the history of life on earth.
MAGNT Director, Adam Worrall, said the program of events will inspire wide community participation in STEM and provide an opportunity to acknowledge and encourage new and innovative ways of engaging with audiences.
“MAGNT has a strong tradition of hosting major events to celebrate National Science Week. It is exciting to see Alice Springs as the focus for this year’s activities. Given Central Australia’s rich geological, palaeontological and astronomical history, it’s the perfect place to be telling stories about the very beginning of our continent.”
Full Program
Meet the Scientists, Friday 8 August, Megafauna Central, 1-3pm.
Hosted by Dr Kirsti Abbott, MAGNT Head of Science, and Dr Adam Yates, MAGNT Senior Curator of Earth Sciences, you will meet scientists whose careers include astrophysics, science communication and palaeontology.
Decoding the Universe, Friday 8 August, Araluen Arts Centre, 7-9pm.
Ever wondered how the universe was created? How our galaxy works? Listen to Dr Sara Webb, award-winning astrophysicist and science communicator, decode the universe.
Central Australia Through Time, Saturday 9 August, Desert Knowledge Australia, 1.30-3pm. Join Dr Sara Webb, award-winning astrophysicist and science communicator, Dr Adam Yates, Senior Curator of Earth Sciences, and Dr. Steve Morton, ecologist and author who will explore an extended history of Central Australia.
The Ammonites Rock! Saturday 9 August, Araluen Arts Centre, 6-9pm.
Lovers of hard rock and sedimentary rock will unite as we present The Ammonites, an all-female, dinosaur loving, super group who will take you on a journey to discover the prehistoric past.
Henbury Meteorite Conservation Reserve Discovery Day, Henbury Meteorite Conservation Reserve, Sunday 10 August, 10am-4pm.
Spend the day with Dr Adam Yates, Senior Curator of Earth Sciences at MAGNT, and Dr Sara Webb, award-winning astrophysicist and science communicator, for a tour of the unique Henbury Meteorite craters.
The Answer is 42 Trivia Night, Araluen Arts Centre, Sunday 10 August, 6-8pm.
Rounding out MAGNTs National Science Week 2025 program of events will be the trivia night you didn’t know you needed. Scientists will bring the facts (trivia) and Professor Flint, the Scottish singing palaeontologist, will bring the fun, prizes and giveaways in a fully participatory game where you’ll get to see just how much scientists know beyond their expertise!
Film: Young Einstein, Araluen Arts Centre, Monday 11 August, 7-9pm
Science Week will conclude in Central Australia at Araluen theatre, with the Australian classic Young Einstein.
About the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) is the Northern Territory’s premier cultural and scientific institution. It offers a dynamic and diverse arts, science and cultural program to more than 300,000 visitors each year. MAGNT has seven venues: MAGNT Darwin, the Defence of Darwin Experience, Fannie Bay Gaol, Lyons Cottage, the Museum of Central Australia (incorporating the Strehlow Research Centre), Megafauna Central and the Alcoota fossil site. MAGNT is known for its collections and expertise in Aboriginal cultures, natural sciences, histories and arts across northern and central Australia and our neighbours to the north. It is also the home of the annual Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA) – the most significant Indigenous art award of its kind in Australia.
Contact
Dr Kirsti Abbott, MAGNT Head of Science
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0466 726 525
