Science Night - Whales with Dr Vanessa Pirotta

Friday 15 August 2025

6:00pm — 9:00pm

Auslan interpreted

Adults only (18+)

Queensland Museum Kurilpa, Level 1

Adult	$48
Concession *	$40
Companion Card holder *	Free
*on presentation of Concession Card Prices include GST.

Dive into SparkLab for an adults-only night of science. Explore the fascinating world of whales with leading whale scientist, Dr Vanessa Pirotta for National Science Week.

Immerse yourself in a playful evening made for curious adults, exploring the wonders of whale biology, the reasons behind their songs and breathtaking breaches, and the challenges they navigate in the big blue backyard of Australia and beyond.

Science Night includes:

Dr V will explore the huge 1.8m diameter Science on a Sphere globe suspended from the ceiling of SparkLab
Adults-only access to our interactive STEM space, SparkLab. This hands-on, selfie-friendly area includes 40 interactive exhibits across three zones. Science Night is a rare opportunity to access the whole space with an adults-only audience.
Live science experiments.
Live music by OK Productions DJs
Drinks and light snacks available at the pop up bar for anyone seeking extra fizz or bubble.

Previous Science Night presenters

Dr Todd Bond - leading marine ecologist
Dr Kirsten Banks - astrophysicist and science communicator.
Dr Matt Agnew - scientist, author, astrophysicist and TV personality.
Nate Byrne - meteorologist, oceanographer, science communicator and well-known ABC personality.

More information

This event is Auslan interpreted.
Our events are cashless, EFTPOS only.
All other areas of Queensland Museum Kurilpa close at the usual time of 5pm.

Accessibility

This event features:
Usually noisy
Very low light
Seating available
Interactive and touch objects
Light projections

For further accessibility information please visit our accessibility page or contact the museum on (07) 3153 3000.

Learn more

Dr Vanessa Pirotta

Dr Vanessa Pirotta is one of Australia’s most renowned wildlife scientists. Her research uses innovative technologies for wildlife conservation, working collaboratively across marine/terrestrial environments and merging cutting edge tech to access animals in unique ways (think whale snot drones and AI to detect illegal wildlife trafficking).

A passionate and experienced science communicator, she plays a key role in making science accessible and engaging, earning her the title of NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence in 2025. Dr V is also a proud author of several books and is one of Australia's top science communicators, able to make science fun and memorable.

Illuminated globe suspended from ceiling

Science on a Sphere

This 1.8m diameter sphere suspended in the centre of SparkLab. It uses the latest digital technology from satellites and ground-based instruments to project over 570 global, environmental and planetary datasets onto its surface. Explore swirling ocean currents, animal migrations, plate tectonics, earthquakes, Jupiter’s moons and much more at the touch of a screen.

Developed by researchers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States, this technology helps users to visualise and understand the wonder of the world around us and Earth’s place in the solar system.

Learn more

OK PRODUCTIONS

OK PRODUCTIONS is an underground creative agency specialising in diverse artistic media. They focus on producing original (often absurd/playful) works connected through humour and upheld by an always surprising quality. Founded in 2020 from the ethos of ‘if you can you must’ and ‘follow-it-through’ the group has a slew of albums, skits and live shows to their name with an ambitious multi-media work in the pipeline.