About us

Pint of Science Australia aims to elevate Australian research in a fun and inclusive way by providing a platform (primarily through a national festival and other science-engagement activities) that build the public’s appreciation of research and fosters high-quality science communication. 

Our events include interesting and relevant talks on the latest science research that's accessible to all.

The main festival takes place annually over three days in the month of May as part of the broader international festival: a fantastic celebration of science that reaches all across the globe.

We group our events into six main categories that cover the broad scope of what we call science:

  • Atoms to Galaxies: physics, chemistry, maths and astronomy.
  • The Mind: neuroscience, psychology and psychiatry.
  • Our Body: medicine, human biology and health.
  • Society: law, history, politics, policy and languages.
  • Planet Earth: geosciences, botany and zoology.
  • Technology: biotechnology, robotics and computers.

Pint of Science Australia is only possible by the amazing dedication and contribution from our volunteer team. We have a crew of hundreds, all passionate science-interested volunteers who power the whole operation. You can find out more about the current year's crew by visiting the Team page.

Find an event near you by checking out our Locations.

Our future

Pint of Science in Australia has a strong future with potential for growth and expansion across the country. Attracting hundreds of volunteers and speakers each year, the festival is fast becoming a cornerstone of science engagement in Australia.

Pint of Science Australia has a strong future guided by a strategic plan that outlines the direction for the festival through to 2030, with a focus on elevating Australian research and promoting science inclusively.

Find out more about our future by reading our strategic plan.

Our history

The international festival was established in the United Kingdom by Drs Michael Motskin and Praveen Paul, inspired by a successful outreach event they ran in 2012. In May 2013 they held the first Pint of Science festival and it quickly took off around the world. See a full list of locations here.

Pint of Science reached Australian shores in 2014, landing in Sydney and rapidly spreading across the country:

  • 2014: 1 city, 6 events
  • 2015: 4 cities, 16 events
  • 2016: 7 cities, 45 events
  • 2017: 12 cities, 73 events
  • 2018: 16 cities, 88 events
  • 2019: 19 cities, 154 events
  • 2020: reimagined due to COVID-19 with 8 online activities
  • 2021:
  • 2022: 11 cities, 58 events
  • 2023: 15 cities, 67 events
  • 2024: 12 cities, 68 events

Over this time, the organisation in Australia has been guided by several national directors, all with a passion for science outreach and without whom we wouldn't have the festival as it is today.

  • 2014/15: Dr Caroline McCulley
  • 2016: Mayan Amiezer
  • 2017: Dr Marge Maallo and Dr Chloe Warren
  • 2018-2021: Jirana Boontanjai and Dr Tom Carruthers
  • 2022: Chanel Egan and Jin-oh Choi
  • 2023/24: Maria Roitman and Jin-oh Choi
  • 2025 - present: Brett van der Leest and Anna Oszmiana

In 2019, the former Co-CEOs, Jirana Boontanjai and Dr Tom Carruthers, introduced a national team of volunteers to support the activity of local teams. These national volunteers have each dedicated countless hours of their valuable time and effort, increasing the value and effectiveness of the local volunteers, and enabling the drastic increase in national growth of the organisation.

We are indebted to all of our volunteers who have helped us over the years to grow the festival to what it is today.

You can meet this year's crew on the Team page.

Legal and other stuff

Pint of Science Australia is a registered charity with the ABN: 90 110 689 353 and is registered for GST.

Tickets and products bought from us will include GST, with the exception of anything marked as a donation (which is GST exempt). You will be provided with an email that acts as a tax invoice for your records. Should you not receive your email, first check your spam filter (sometimes ISPs don't like our automated emails), and then get in touch highlighting the date and what you purchased, and we'll chase it up.

You can read our privacy policy here that outlines what we do with any data we collect on your use of our systems and services.

Our code of conduct guidelines and what we expect from all our speakers and volunteers here.

We also strongly advocate for diversity and accessibility and have strong guidelines for our local volunteers to follow. You can find out more about these initiatives here.