SOAPBOX SCIENCE Melbourne
Science in the Streets of Melbourne: Soapbox Science and STEM Sisters Bring Research to the Public
Soapbox Science is a global initiative that promotes and showcases the work of women scientists to break down the barriers that prevent women from entering and progressing in science careers. The format involves female scientists standing on a soapbox in a public area and giving short talks on their research to engage with the public in a fun and informative way. Soapbox Science events also provide an opportunity for female scientists to network and connect with others in their field, as well as gain experience in science communication.
STEM Sisters are the official partners in delivering the Soapbox Science Melbourne event since 2022 during the Australian National Science Week.
Inaugural Soapbox Science Melbourne 2022
Please find below a video series of the inaugural Soapbox Science Melbourne event.
Event Highlights
Soapbox Science Melbourne 2023
Events Highlights
Soapbox Science Melbourne 2024
Highlights
As part of National Science Week (9th-17th August), Soapbox Science is back this year, and our team is excited to invite you to our event on Friday, 15th August, from 2-5 pm.
Our event is FREE and will feature 12 incredible women experts in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) who will share their amazing journeys and experiences through science. Our speakers aim to share their discoveries in their field, inspire others and make science more approachable, particularly to young children.
Soapbox Science Melbourne 2025
| Ms Adele Pentland | Curtin University |
| Ms.Dilendra Wijesekara | Institute for Frontier Materials,Deakin University |
| Dr Bahareh Nakisa | Deakin University |
| Celene Meraz-Benavente | International Institute of Astronautical Sciences |
| Dr Mahta Mansouri | Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research |
| Dr. Yi Tian Ting | Monash University |
| Dr Elodie Camprasse | Deakin University |
| Dr Saheli Biswas | Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) |
| Ms Jacinda Cottee | Swinburne University of Technology |
| Dr Shanika Galaudage | Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur / Monash University |
| Ms Priyanka Nair-Turkich (Pillai) | The University of Melbourne |
| Ms Saumya Saji Kochumoni | Deakin University |
Soapbox Science Melbourne 2026
Expressions of Interest Now Open for Speakers & Volunteers
Soapbox Science Melbourne is back for its fourth year as part of National Science Week 2026, bringing science to the streets of Melbourne in the most vibrant, inclusive, and engaging way possible.
This unique event transforms public spaces into interactive forums where women and non-binary scientists step onto literal soapboxes to share their research with the general public—no slides, no jargon, just props, passion, and people.
- Location: Chessboard Next to Melbourne Town Hall
- Date: Friday, August 21 2026
- Time : 2 PM to 5 PM
We’re now inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from:
- Volunteers: Enthusiastic individuals interested in supporting event logistics, community engagement, media, and more
- Speakers: Women and non-binary researchers in STEM who want to communicate their work in a creative, accessible way
Speaker EOI
Selected speakers will receive tailored training in public science communication and the opportunity to present to a live audience in Melbourne’s CBD.
To support event delivery, promotion, and training, a $300 engagement fee will apply for each selected speaker. This is typically paid by the speaker or speaker’s host organisation or university.
Applications are open to early-career and established researchers and profe across all STEM disciplines.
Volunteer EOI
Join us behind the scenes! Volunteers commit to a few hours a week in the lead-up to the event and play a vital role in making Soapbox Science Melbourne a success. Roles include speaker support, social media, logistics, photography, and more.
No prior experience needed—just enthusiasm and a passion for science outreach!
Please ensure your submission is completed before Monday, 6st of July 2026.
As part of National Science Week (15-23rd August), Soapbox Science is back this year, and our team is super excited to invite you to our event on Friday, 21st August at 2 pm-5 pm.