Speeches
Friday, 14 August 2026
National Science Week Launch
Rod and I are pleased to be here today for the official launch of National Science Week in South Australia.
Rod, a physicist and former science teacher, has a particular interest in National Science Week, and we both look forward to taking part in a small experiment a little later in proceedings!
It is also a pleasure to join you at the South Australian Museum to mark the start of this year’s celebrations.
We thank the museum for its vital work in our community as a place of public learning, engaged with by generations of curious visitors, as well as a world-class scientific research institution.
National Science Week plays a vital role in building curiosity, understanding and trust in science across our community.
This year’s theme, ‘Seeds of science: Nurturing knowledge for all’, speaks to the importance of welcoming everyone into the world of discovery.
As Governor, I’ve had the privilege to see first-hand the depth of South Australia’s scientific strengths.
Our researchers, educators and innovators are driving discovery and progress right across the state.
Their work feeds directly into South Australian industry, including our growing defence and space sectors.
We are the Defence State, building surface ships and sustaining our submarine capability, and we are the Space State, home to the Australian Space Agency and more than one hundred space-related organisations.
For all of this, collaboration between science, government, industry and the community remains vital.
I note that National Science Week has grown, since its establishment in 1997, from around two hundred events into a truly national celebration involving every state and territory.
More than three million people now take part each year, a demonstrated remarkable devotion to science that speaks to its success.
I am pleased that ninety per cent of this year’s events are free, opening the door to National Science Week for families, hobbyists and industry alike.
I am heartened, too, that the First Nations Science Festival, ‘Payirri-apinthirlu naalityangka’, runs alongside National Science Week, celebrating more than sixty thousand years of science, astronomy and invention in this country.
National Science Week also plays an important role in inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.
Rod and I have long taken an interest in encouraging young people toward science, whether through school visits or events such as this one.
I believe that some of our best ideas are developed through actively listening to other people, and young scientists have much to teach us.
Rod and I thank the National Science Week Coordinating Committee, the South Australian Museum and everyone who has worked to bring today’s launch together.
We also thank the National Science Week Ambassadors joining us today, and I look forward to taking part in this morning’s experiment.
We wish the South Australian Museum continued success, both as a place of learning and as a centre of world-class research.
We wish everyone an enjoyable and inspiring week of science across South Australia.