Bright Minds, Bold Voices: Series
2026 series details
Each event in the series will pair a notable public figure with a top scientist or innovator. Together with ABC Canberra's Lish Fejer, they will explore the big issues shaping our future from health and wellbeing in the sky, to the food that fuels us every day, to the research and innovation that drives Australia's future.
Expect boundary-pushing ideas, sharp insights into challenges, and fresh perspectives on what matters.
Announcement of speakers coming soon!
Event dates
All events are held at the Shine Dome in Canberra as follows.
Tuesday 14 April – Reimagining how we fly
Tuesday 25 August – Food, science and the stories we swallow
Tuesday 8 December – From research to reality: Australia's opportunity
Event tickets
Series passes to attend three events are available until Tuesday 14 April 2026.
Series pass: $60.00 / $45.00 (students)
- Includes:
- attendance at all three events at the Shine Dome
- canapés and drinks before each event
- priority opportunity to engage with speakers during audience Q&A sessions
- access to event recordings.
Online series pass: Free (optional contribution to help the Academy cover costs and ensure livestream can remain free and accessible for all)
- Includes:
- access to livestream of all three events
- opportunity to engage with speakers during audience Q&A sessions via the online form
- access to all event recordings.
Single event ticket: $22.00 / $17.00 (students)
- Includes:
- attendance at one event at the Shine Dome
- canapés and drinks before the event
- priority opportunity to engage with speakers during audience Q&A
- access to event recording.
Online single event ticket: Free (optional contribution to help the Academy cover costs and ensure livestream can remain free and accessible for all)
- Includes:
- access to livestream of one event
- opportunity to engage with speakers during audience Q&A via the online form
- access to event recording.
Series host
The Academy is pleased to welcome back ABC's Lish Fejer as the host for this series. As a seasoned radio broadcaster and passionate science communicator, Lish will deliver illuminating sessions with her engaging style and thought-provoking questions.
Lish Fejer
- Series host
Series convenor
Thank you to our series convenor for 2026:
Stephen Simpson
- AC FAA FRS
- Series convenor
Series supporter
Partnership opportunities
Opportunities are available to partner with the Academy to help deliver this exciting event series. Event partners enjoy a range of benefits, including complimentary tickets, speaking and branding opportunities, extensive promotion on social media platforms, and more.
Contact Lisa Crocker on 0488 044 186 or at lisa.crocker@science.org.au to discuss these opportunities.
Academy events
The Australian Academy of Science’s public speaker series is a long-standing initiative that informs, educates and inspires. To view recordings of past events, visit the series page on the Academy website.
To hear more about Academy events and activities, subscribe to the range of newsletters delivered to inboxes around the world.
Support the Academy
The Australian Academy of Science is an independent organisation of distinguished Australian scientists, championing science for the benefit of all. Our mission is to advance Australia as a nation that embraces scientific knowledge and whose people enjoy the benefits of science.
Donations to the Academy play an important role in bringing science to the service of our nation, and for all Australians. Your support helps us to contribute to the overall progress of science in our country and across the globe.
