Looking to sharpen your science communication skills, expand your networks, and engage the public in meaningful, adult-focused conversations about your research? Join the Beaker Street Roving Scientist Program!
Expressions of Interest now open
The Beaker Street Roving Scientist Program is back this August, with the full program to be announced in coming weeks.
There are a limited number of places available for this free program. Expressions of interest close 30 June, or once we reach capacity, so if you’re keen, don’t wait!
The Roving Scientist Program is a free, curated professional development experience for STEM researchers and professionals who want to sharpen their science communication skills, expand their networks, and engage the public in meaningful, adult-focused conversations about research.
Set in Nipaluna/Hobart during Beaker Street Festival, the program combines a full day of professional development workshops, a VIP networking event, and multiple public outreach opportunities throughout the Festival, including at our iconic Roving Scientist Bar — where researchers share their work directly with curious, engaged adult audiences. There are also additional opportunities to engage with family audiences.
Program fee: $0
Participants cover their own travel and accommodation.
What you get
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A free, high quality professional development experience
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Hands-on training in science communication and public engagement
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Multiple IRL outreach opportunities with adult audiences
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A published profile on the Beaker Street website
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Inclusion in Beaker Street’s Roving Scientist database, shared with media and partners
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Discounted tickets to selected Beaker Street Festival events
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Access to partner accommodation offers
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Your own amazingly flashy, highly coveted LED-lit name badge
Key details
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Program fee: Free
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Location: Nipaluna/Hobart, Lutruwita/Tasmania
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Timing: Each August, during Beaker Street Festival
What’s involved
Friday 14 August 2026
A full day of sci comm professional development
A practical, skills-focused day of workshops in Nipaluna/Hobart covering topics such as:
- Communicating complex research clearly and confidently
- Engaging non-expert audiences without watering down
- Storytelling, framing, and speaking about uncertainty
- Public engagement beyond the lecture theatre
The workshops bring together experienced science communicators, researchers, and facilitators in a collaborative, peer-based setting.
Friday 14 August 2026
The Collider: a VIP networking event
A free ticket to our swanky but nerdy networking evening bringing Roving Scientists together with:
- Fellow researchers
- Science communicators and journalists
- Industry and policy professionals
- Artists, cultural leaders, and funders
It’s designed to spark conversations, collaborations, and unexpected connections — not awkward small talk.
6-9 and 14-16 August 2026
Outreach during Beaker Street Festival
Roving Scientists take part in multiple public outreach sessions at the Roving Scientist Bar, a pop-up venue inside Beaker Street Festival where the general adult public comes specifically to talk science.
This is a rare chance to test ideas, practice explaining your research, and engage with people who genuinely want to be there.
In 2026, we’ll also be introducing new family-friendly and sensory-friendly sessions.
6-9 August is focused on Antarctica, and 14-16 August is across diverse research areas.
Who it’s for
The program is open to:
- PhD candidates
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Early and mid-career researchers
- STEM professionals working across universities, research institutes, government, and industry
We also have a special offering for all Antarctic workers, including researchers, tractor drivers, station chefs, plumbers… and anyone who’s worked on the ice!
You don’t need prior science communication experience — just curiosity, openness, and a willingness to talk about your work with the public.
Funding your participation
While the Roving Scientist Program itself is free, many participants receive support for travel and on-the-ground costs through their employers or universities, including from:
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University departments or HDR offices
- Supervisor/ lab funding to support travel and outreach
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Faculty or school professional development or travel budgets
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Research centres or institutes
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Engagement, impact, or communications teams
If you’re planning to request travel support from your institution or workplace, we recommend asking early.
Info for employers, supervisors, and institutions
Supporting staff to participate in the Roving Scientist Program is a low-cost, high-impact investment in professional development and public engagement.
Your organisation benefits from:
- Staff developing transferable skills through structured professional development in science communication and public engagement
- Increased visibility of your research and researchers in a respected national festival
- Positive, real-world public engagement with adult audiences
- Opportunities for media, industry, and cross-sector connections
- Clear evidence of engagement and impact activity
The program itself is free. Institutions typically support participants by covering travel and accommodation costs.
Want to know more?
Email any questions to our team at [email protected].
Not quite right for you? Why not be a Festival volunteer, or simply come along to all the Festival fun. Subscribe below to receive updates and the next Festival program as soon as it’s out.
