Our vision is of an Australian community that 
is curious about research, that embraces diversity in the research sector, 
that understands and enjoys the benefits of scientific endeavour, 
and that is equipped to discern reliable sources of information 
enabling evidence-led decision making. 

 

This strategic plan sets the direction for Pint of Science Australia for 2025-2030. It will be reviewed annually to ensure the continued success and growth of the organisation and its impact.

Mission

The mission of Pint of Science Australia is 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. 

What is science?  

Pint of Science Australia defines ‘science’ as the systematic study of the world through research.  

The broad scope of what we call science includes:  

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

Our mission is two-fold:  

1: Elevating Research

To fulfil our mission of elevating research, Pint of Science Australia has the following objectives: 

  • Build the public’s awareness and appreciation of Australian research 
  • Foster high-quality science communication by researchers in Australia 
  • Increase visibility and accessibility of Australian research through growing the network of researchers, media, creatives and organisations involved in science communication. 

We will achieve these objectives by:  

  • Delivering high-quality and engaging public science talks during the global Pint of Science festival and, where possible, through national science festivals or events, such as National Science Week 
  • Promoting Australian research through our podcasts, blogs and social media campaigns  
  • Building strategic partnerships with academia, industry, media and government 
  • Facilitating a digital artist program to support the annual Pint of Science festival  
  • Collaborating on mutually beneficial cross-promotional opportunities with other science communication organisations and initiatives  

By creating a platform that elevates Australian research, we hope to boost information literacy and promote evidence-based decision making within the Australian community. We expect to achieve a greater awareness of local scientific achievement and excellence and to build pride in Australian research.   

2: Promoting Science Inclusively

To fulfil our mission of promoting science inclusively, Pint of Science Australia has the following objectives: 

  • Recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of the unceded lands on which we work, learn and live, and as Australia’s first scientists and researchers 
  • Strive for equitable and diverse representation across our national and local volunteer team and speaker line up 
  • Improve accessibility at our events and through our communications 
  • Facilitate, and promote, the Pint of Science festival in urban and rural communities 
  • Challenge stereotypes and unconscious biases around who can do science and who can talk about it 

We will achieve these objectives by:  

  • Fostering a culture of inclusion within the organisation through articulating and modelling our values and behaviours 
  • Supporting participation of speakers and volunteers irrespective of their culture, ethnicity, age, disability status, socioeconomic status, gender or sexual identity, education level or professional background 
  • Promoting Indigenous science through collaborations with Indigenous researchers, knowledge holders and community organisations 
  • Improving inclusion and accessibility at in-person and online events by carefully considering elements such as physical space, audio/visual components, communication formats and inclusive design to ensure that, as far as possible, all who wish to participate can. 

By promoting diversity and inclusion within our own organisation, we hope to break down historical biases that have created significant barriers for researchers from diverse backgrounds and promote positive change. 

Operational Sustainability

Underpinning this strategy is a grass-roots commitment to our core vision and mission. Pint of Science Australia aims to ensure long-term sustainability, efficient operation, and high-levels of professionalism without losing the foundation of the organisation that is strongly rooted in the passion of science-interested volunteers. 

Plan Scope

International Governance

Pint of Science Australia is an independent organisation, operating under the “Pint of Science” trademark with contractual Agreement with Pint of Science Limited (PoS Ltd) who organise the global Pint of Science festival.  

This strategic plan is not superseded by advice or direction from the international team based in the United Kingdom. Due respect will be given to our unified international goals and this plan will evolve, as appropriate, to accommodate the contractual and collaborative relationship. 

National Governance

Pint of Science Australia is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. It is run by volunteers based in Australia. Its size oscillates from between ~10-20 volunteers on the National Team in the “off-season” (July - September) to ~150 volunteers during peak “festival season” (March - May) spread across national and local teams. 

Volunteers in leadership positions (including CEOs, Directors and Managers in the National Team, and City Coordinators in the Local Teams) should be guided by, and lead their teams, in accordance with this strategic plan.