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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

Scientist Portraits: Story and Spectacle

Upper primary and high school

Selected days from Thursday 14 August until Thursday 21 August 2025
9:15 – 10:00am and 2:00 – 2:45pm AEST
Robyn Williams AO
Robyn Williams AO

Bookings essential - free

Learn how storytelling meets science in this special program presented in collaboration with Questacon for National Science Week. Join legendary science journalist and broadcaster Robyn Williams AO as he explores stories of Australia’s greatest scientific minds through their portraits, then watch a live science demonstration delivered by the Questacon team.

Robyn Williams AO is a prominent science journalist and broadcaster, best known for presenting ABC Radio National's The Science Show since 1975. He is also known for his witty and engaging presentation style, which combines his high level of education with his passion for science communication. He was the first and only journalist to be elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.

Activity Outline: Our National Science Week programs are curiosity-led to guide students on different ways to interpret scientific themes. Robyn Williams will introduce scientists from the National Portrait Gallery collection, providing insights into their biographies, identities, and contributions to science. Additionally, an educator from Questacon will deliver an associated experiment, allowing students to experience with the scientific concepts presented.

This program is delivered in partnership with Questacon.

Curriculum Connections

Learning areas: Science

General capabilities: Creative and Critical Thinking

Materials

Registered participants will receive an email a week before their booked session, detailing a list of household items needed.

Please email Digital@npg.gov.au if you have any questions.

Access information

Make a booking and the Gallery will email you details on how to connect with us using Zoom.

For access support or other ways to book please email bookings@npg.gov.au or phone 02 6102 7070 prior to your visit.

© National Portrait Gallery 2025
King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia

Phone +61 2 6102 7000
ABN: 54 74 277 1196

The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

This website comprises and contains copyrighted materials and works. Copyright in all materials and/or works comprising or contained within this website remains with the National Portrait Gallery and other copyright owners as specified.

The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. The use of images of works of art reproduced on this website and all other content may be restricted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). Requests for a reproduction of a work of art or other content can be made through a Reproduction request. For further information please contact NPG Copyright.

The National Portrait Gallery is an Australian Government Agency