What happens when an influential Australian changemaker meets a trailblazing scientist? To find out, join the Australian Academy of Science for the 2026 Public Speaker Series.

From the solar panels on your roof to the medicines in your cabinet, Australian ingenuity makes everyday life better. Australia has world-class research – but it’s time to back our own ability to make it count. We’re exploring how we invest in science and what it really takes to turn great ideas into change that matters to us all.

In conversation with ABC Canberra’s Lish Fejer, we’ll be joined by:

• Senator David Pocock, former captain of the Wallabies and vice-captain of the Brumbies. Now an independent senator for the ACT.
• Dr Kate Cornick, CEO of Tech Council of Australia. In 2025 Dr Cornick was a Panel Member for the Strategic Examination of R&D – a once in a generation review of the national R&D system.

This event is for everyone including students, professionals, academics, policymakers, lifelong learners, and those simply curious about how science impacts our everyday lives.

Register for the free Livestream (online)