Beaker Street

Beaker Street: Building Community Through Scientific Understanding

Based in nipaluna/Hobart, Beaker Street acts as connective tissue within the community, by inviting people from all walks of life to find common ground in cutting-edge science, through curiosity and evidence-based thinking.

In an increasingly divided world, they believe science provides a common framework for uncovering our most pressing problems and most promising solutions. Their myriad of activities inspire eye-opening conversations, mind-expanding experiences, and help uncover our shared reality.

Working with research institutions, cultural organisations, and communities, Beaker Street merges cutting-edge science with high-level cultural production. They banish boring science, placing researchers in public spaces, creating playful and unique education opportunities.

Beaker Street programming unfolds across the relatively pristine environment of Lutruwita/Tasmania, from dark skies to Hobart’s unique relationship with Antarctica, as an immersive platform for exploration and experimentation.

The flagship Beaker Street Festival, part of National Science Week, attracts more than 17,000 attendees annually, transforming Hobart every August into a vibrant hub of scientifically proven fun. They also offer a variety of field trips focusing on issues such as biodiversity, climate change and astronomy.

Persistent barriers, from the leaky pipeline for women in STEM, to geographic and socio-economic isolation, mean too many people feel disconnected to science. Programs to address this include accessibility initiatives like “A Seat at the Table,” providing free tickets to those facing financial barriers; year round programs like CoLab, which pairs disadvantaged youth with scientific mentors and the Roving Scientist program, help ensure that science belongs to everyone.

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