Dr Karl Kruszelnicki headlines World science Festivals' Queensland regional program as it heads to the Port City

“There is plenty for the Gladstone region to explore during this year’s festival with innovative ideas, thought-provoking fun and scientific surprises.”

Dr Karl Kruszelnicki will make a guest appearance when the World Science Festivals' Queensland regional program returns to Gladstone next month.

Sensational science shows, hands-on activities and a special guest appearance from Australia’s favourite scientist will all be on offer when the World Science Festivals' Queensland regional program returns to Gladstone next month.

Making its triumphant return after a COVID-19 interruption, the two-day program will be held at the Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre from Sunday, August 29 to Monday, August 30.

Free and ticketed activities including the City of science will take place at Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre on day one followed by a free student day, exclusive to schools in Central Queensland on day two.

The young and the young-at-heart will also get the chance to hear from author and Australian radio and television science commentator Dr Karl Kruszelnicki who will present as part of The Kids Variety Hour with Dr Karl and Dr Karl’s Greatest Moments in science show.

Dr Karl Kruszelnicki will make a guest appearance when the World science Festivals' Queensland regional program returns to Gladstone next month.

Presented by Queensland Museum Network, the World Science Festival Queensland has been visiting Gladstone since 2017 and has attracted more than 15,500 visitors, including more than 1,600 students.

The festival forms part of the museum’s Future Makers partnership with Shell’s QGC business, aiming to provide evidence-based outcomes for STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) engagement, education and careers.

Queensland Museum Network CEO Dr Jim Thompson said it was always exciting to take the festival on the road to Gladstone and share knowledge and enthusiasm for all things science.

“Visitors can look forward to a fun and exciting program this year, from talks with Queensland Museum palaeontologists and arachnologists, to learning about rocket science and how drones are used in search and rescue missions,” Dr Thompson said.

“For the past five years, the festival in Gladstone has continued to grow thanks to the community’s enthusiasm for all things science and we look forward to welcoming visitors, including those who have been before and new faces.”

The young and the young-at-heart will get a chance to try their hand at free and ticketed activities at the World science Festivals' Queensland regional program.

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said World science Festival Queensland was shaping up to be a success across the state.

“There is plenty for the Gladstone region to explore during this year’s festival with innovative ideas, thought-provoking fun and scientific surprises,” Minister Enoch said.

“Following the success of the festival in Brisbane in March and the regional festival in Chinchilla and Townsville, Queenslanders will be able to experience the wonders of science when World science Festival travels to other areas of the state including Gladstone, Toowoomba and Ipswich.

“World science Festival is the only festival of its kind held outside of New York, and is supported with a $3 million investment from the Palaszczuk Government every year.

“The arts are key to delivering our plan for economic recovery, each year contributing $8.5 billion to the state’s economy and supporting more than 92,000 jobs for Queenslanders. That is why this Festival is so important for our communities.”

Shell’s QGC business Head of Digital Innovation Nikki Rankine said the festival was a unique opportunity to inspire local youth to become the STEM leaders of the future.

“The festival challenges the idea that science is locked away in a lab, it connects students to real life STEM professionals and experiences,” Ms Rankine said.

“The student day is a fantastic opportunity for local students to meet real-world STEM professionals, ask questions and see what the future workforce looks like and what types of jobs will be available.”

Bookings are essential for events with Dr Karl. The City of science is free with some workshops requiring tickets. To view the program and book tickets, visit HERE.