Open your mind to the wonder of science at the World Science Festival Brisbane
During this year’s festival, the sharpest scientific minds from Australia and beyond will ask—and answer—the most pressing questions about the universe. This truly unique mix of scientists, scientific communicators, academics, artists, musicians, comedians and more will come together to remind us that science is fun, funny, fascinating and fearless.
Please visit the World Science Festival Brisbane site for the latest updates and information.
Sustainable Development Goals
Griffith University is aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals (
Welcome to the Second Quantum Revolution
The world we live in today wouldn’t be the same without the first quantum revolution. Whilst it happened last century, it gave us groundbreaking technology like lasers, transistors and semiconductors that transformed everyday life. Now, the second quantum revolution is here – and it’s set to change everything again.
Curious about what quantum science is all about? Join a panel of experts to discover the cutting-edge research unfolding right now and the incredible possibilities that could shape our future in ways we can’t even imagine!
- Associate Professor Claire Minahan, Griffith Sports Science
- Associate Professor Erik Streed, Director of the Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Research Institute
Quantum capabilities at Griffith
Discover the exciting research happening at the Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Research Institute (QUATRI)
Digital Detox: Wildlife in the City with Professor Catherine Pickering
Join Professor Catherine Pickering and Dr Wade Hadwen, an expert in human-nature interactions, and other Griffith University staff on a unique, science-based walk through Toohey Forest, designed for nature lovers of all ages. This walking tour of one of Brisbane’s much-loved city forests offers the perfect opportunity to unplug from digital devices and fully connect with the natural world. As you stroll along paved trails, Professor Pickering will share her expert knowledge of the forest and how it benefits us, from native trees to fascinating wildlife, enriching your understanding of this beautiful environment.
Labs Unlocked: Green Infrastructure Research Labs
Cities are expanding and temperatures are rising, so how can nature be used to support better ecosystems for our future communities? Ecological engineers are instrumental in enhancing the sustainability of our cities, reducing heat and increasing amenity value using living green infrastructure.
Join experts from Griffith University’s Green Infrastructure Research Labs (GIRLS) on a walking tour around South Bank to explore innovative green walls, roofs, street trees and other urban greenery. Students will meet the scientists shaping the future of our city, get hands-on with the tools used to measure how urban design impacts our daily lives, and discover how different fields like urban planning, engineering, and plant science come together to build a better, greener world.
Labs Unlocked: Griffith Sea Jellies Research Laboratory
The Griffith Sea Jellies Research Laboratory once again invites you behind-the-scenes for a guided tour of their facility to meet the laboratory’s research scientists for WSFB’s Labs Unlocked.
The Griffith Sea Jellies Research Laboratory is an award-winning, state-of-the-art research facility specialised for studying jellyfishes. Located within the iconic Sea World theme park on the Gold Coast, the laboratory is on display to the public and provides a unique opportunity for the community to observe scientific research being done.
As part of World Science Festival Brisbane 2025, Griffith University are inviting you to a specially curated behind-the-scenes tour of the laboratory, guided by one of the laboratory’s research scientists. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the diverse jellyfish that are maintained in the laboratory, learn how they are cultured, and discover some of the fascinating research being undertaken by the laboratory’s research team.
Peak Plastique
Ordinary plastic objects transformed into extraordinary soundscapes. A sonic journey into the world of plastic, featuring 11 exquisite musical compositions accompanied by evocative animations, that explore our complex relationship with plastics.
Drawing on decades of sonic curiosity across the fields of classical, jazz and experimental music traditions, pianist Erik Griswold, violinist Anna McMichael, percussionist Vanessa Tomlinson and video artist Nick Roux join forces for the first time to ponder one of the most significant problems of our time – our complex relationship with plastics.
The music explores playful, intricate rhythmic patterns that mirror the structures of plastic molecules, evoking the feeling of both innovation and fragility. Some pieces express a nostalgic longing for a time when seas were cleaner, while others present a stark, reflective look at the friction between futuristic hopes for sustainability and the tough realities of our plastic-filled world. Each work is accompanied by evocative animations of breathing plastic bags, falling raindrops of plastic bottles, swaying colourful straws, and dancing gladwrap-encased rocks.
Researchers on Tap at Fish Lane!
Grab a drink, pull up a chair and chat with a quirky scientist one-on-one in Fish Lane including Griffith PhD candidate Scarlet Hopkins. With a Bachelor of Forensic Science, Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice, and Bachelor of Science (Honours), her research focuses on improving chemical techniques used in the analysis of forensic evidence. Come along and ask her about gunshot residue, fingerprints at a crime scene and more!
