Science fiction becomes science fact

The work of scientists has long been fuelled by the imagination of writers: lasers, robots, rocket ships and atomic power were all described in fiction long before they became a reality. Today, the frontiers of science continue to be inspired by ideas that were first explored in science fiction. In this speaker series we’ll hear from Australians whose work is so incredible you’ll be surprised it actually exists. From artificial intelligence to quantum computing, invisibility to mind control: you won’t believe how much science fiction is about to become science fact.

This was the Academy's 2014 public speaker series. It was convened by Professor Bryan Gaensler—astronomer, Academy Fellow and science fiction fan—and chaired by Dr Rod Lamberts of the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, a seasoned and talented science communicator with a stack of sci-fi by his bed.