Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology transpires each year in August. It features hundreds of events from around the country, including those delivered by universities, schools, libraries, museums and of course, Australia’s Royal Societies.

Established in 1997, National Science Week provides an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of Australian scientists to the world of knowledge. It aims to encourage an interest in scientific pursuits among the general public and inspire young people to be curious about the world we live in.

The Royal Society of Victoria manages the Victorian Science Week program under the banner of the Inspiring Australia initiative in partnership with the Commonwealth Department of Innovation, Industry & Science, and the Victorian Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport & Resources.

This year the event program has gone virtual and between August 15 – 23 the Royal Society of Victoria will assist with Possibly Impossible ­– an online series of events and activities that explore the frontiers of possibility and ask what is next for our species.

Forensic Science: Fact vs Fiction will go ahead of August 17 and the Young Scientist Research Prizes Competition nominees will present their work on the evening of Wednesday, 19 August. The Let’s Torque Public Speaking Competition Grand Final is all set to go on August 22 and will be livestreamed on the societies Facebook page.

The Royal Society of New South Wales is hosting Emeritus Professor Robert Clancy on August 18 to discuss The COVID Curve in Context. Professor Clancy will address the pattern of health in Australia, where COVID-19 fits in and consider the possibility of a vaccine.

On August 20 the society will present Emeritus Professor Brynn Hibbert to ramble through The Periodic Table, telling stories that have been collected by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute about the discovery of periodic law, and explaining just how we discover and name new elements.

On August 23, the Royal Society of Tasmania will host Breaking New Ground – a PHD candidate presentation designed to inform the community of a wide range of research being carried out at the University of Tasmania.