Comedy and science combine in Darwin debut

CDU researchers and experts are welcomed to take centre stage and share their knowledge with a spark of humour at the first Science Comedy Program in Darwin. 

The program is led by Future Science Talks and supported by Inspired NT, and blends comedy with science, helping participants enhance their public speaking skills, storytelling techniques, and stage presence.

Inspired NT Manager Sarah Sutcliffe said the program will give participants a great experience in science communication.

"The Science Comedy Program is a unique platform that encourages scientists to step out of their comfort zones and embrace a new way of communicating,” Ms Sutcliffe said.

“It's a game-changer for public engagement with science."

The Science Comedy Program offers a series of workshops, including one-on-one sessions with experienced public speaking trainers and comedians.

The culmination of the program is a 10-minute talk that is 80 per cent science and 20 per cent humour, presented at a public event held at Bustard Town in Darwin CBD on Friday 12 July and Saturday 13 July - tickets are already available.

Future Science Talks Director David Crisante said the workshops provide a unique opportunity for participants to develop essential communication skills while making their scientific presentations more engaging.

"The Science Comedy Program helps participants connect with their audiences more effectively and use humour as a tool for better engagement," Mr Crisante said. 

"We want to inspire scientists and technical experts to share their knowledge in a way that's both informative and entertaining."

The program welcomes participants from diverse fields such as economics, humanitarian work, architecture, IT, and more. It provides an inclusive environment where over half the participants are women, and about a third are born outside Australia.

Participants work through eight workshops over six weeks: six focus on crafting their talks and two are dedicated to improving stage presence, including handling a microphone, timing, body language, and voice cadence.

“It’s an invaluable experience that opens up new ways of communicating complex ideas,” he said.

"By incorporating humour, participants make their presentations more relatable and memorable."

By the end of the program, participants not only improve their public speaking and storytelling skills but also gain confidence and a clearer vision of how to engage audiences effectively. 

Places are still available, and those interested in joining the program are encouraged to register here.