Science Communication Panel: Telling the Stories of the Universe
Join us for an inspiring and interactive panel discussion featuring some of astrophysics’ most passionate science communicators. Whether you're dreaming of a career in STEM or just curious about how scientists connect with the world, this panel will explore how we can share the wonder of the universe with everyone, from the classroom to TikTok. 🎟️ Cost: Free Booking is essential | Limited seats available 👥 Audience: This session is aimed at upper secondary and tertiary students 👥 Panel Speakers: Dr Katie Mack Rami Mandow Dr Sara Webb Dr Kirsten Banks 🎤 MC: Professor Alan Duffy
Contact: ozgrav@swin.edu.au
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/science-communication-panel-telling-the-stories-of-the-universe-tickets-1392321453949
Panel Speaker Bios
🌟 Dr Katie Mack
Dr Katherine (Katie) Mack holds the Hawking Chair in Cosmology and Science Communication at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. Her research focuses on dark matter, the early universe, and the fate of the cosmos. A passionate science communicator, she’s the author of the acclaimed book The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking) and a regular contributor to Scientific American, Slate, BBC Science Focus, and Cosmos Magazine.
Katie is also one of the most recognisable voices in science communication online, with hundreds of thousands of followers across BlueSky, Instagram, and Facebook.
🔗 Learn more about Katie’s work: https://www.astrokatie.com/book
🌟 Rami Mandow
Radio Astronomer Rami Mandow (he/him) is a third-year PhD candidate / pulsar astronomer with Macquarie University & Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO – working as part of the Parkes Pulsar Timing Array project. As part of his work, Rami uses Australia’s iconic Parkes radio telescope (Murriyang) to study these exotic objects known as pulsars, looking into their ongoing stability in his research work. Rami is also an established science communicator, heading up one of Australia’s most well-known space and astronomy community news platforms –🔗 SpaceAustralia.com
🌟 Dr Sara Webb
Dr Sara Webb is an astrophysicist and science communicator whose research explores the universe’s most energetic and explosive events. For her work she was recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list. She is one of Australia’s leading science communicators, with over 300 TV, radio and media interviews worldwide, and is Swinburne’s most read author for The Conversation. Sara leads programs like the Swinburne Youth Space Innovation Challenge and is passionate about inspiring the curiosity of the next generation of scientists. She has a combined following of over 45,000 across her social media platforms.
🔗 Learn more about Sara’s work: https://www.sarawebbscience.com/
🌟 Dr Kirsten Banks
Dr Kirsten Banks is an astrophysicist, proud Wiradjuri woman, and one of Australia’s most dynamic science communicators. She combines modern astrophysics with Indigenous astronomy, offering a unique perspective that blends cultural knowledge with scientific insight. Known for her charismatic media presence and engaging style, Kirsten has amassed over 500,000+ followers across TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms—bringing the cosmos to life for audiences of all ages through short-form videos, interviews, and public talks.
🔗 Learn more about Kirsten’s work: https://astrokirsten.com.au/
🎤 MC: Professor Alan Duffy
Professor Alan Duffy is a leading astrophysicist, science communicator, and entrepreneur. As PVC of Flagship Initiatives at Swinburne, he connects science with society through ambitious, cross-disciplinary projects. With more than 300 TV appearances and 440 radio interviews, Alan is one of Australia’s most recognisable scientists. He is known for turning complex space concepts into captivating stories, whether through TEDx talks, panel discussions, or national broadcasts.
🔗 Learn more about Alan’s work: https://www.alanrduffy.com/
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