Real scientists: QUT partners with Street Science to inspire regional kids
QUT scientist and 2025 Young Australian of the Year Dr Katrina Wruck has a message for regional kids – curiosity about your world can take you anywhere.
Dr Wruck is the new ‘virtual ambassador’ for Street Science – a roving science education provider that is sending its scientists to remote Queensland schools over the next four weeks to run hands-on workshops for local students.
The organisation delivers curriculum-aligned programs to over 200,000 students each year across Australia, with a strong presence in south-east Queensland.
QUT is the official tour partner for the 2026 regional Queensland tour.
The Street Science ute left Brisbane on the weekend and will kick off the tour in the Gulf Country this week.
The first stops are Burketown State School on April 21 and Karumba State School on April 22.
Dr Wruck (pictured above, on right) is a proud Mabuygilayg woman with ancestral ties to the saltwater people of Panaylayg on Mabuyag Island in Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait Islands).
Last year she was named Young Australian of the Year for her work using green chemistry to tackle persistent environmental pollutants such as PFAS forever chemicals, alongside her leadership in advancing Indigenous representation, ethical practice, and sustainability in science and engineering.
As a virtual ambassador for Street Science, Dr Wruck will be seen on screen at each school via a video message.
She said students would be inspired by the two wonderful scientists travelling with the program, who were bringing science to life through hands-on experiments and interactive activities.
“Hands-on science sparks curiosity, but seeing real scientists helps young people see where that curiosity can lead,” Dr Wruck said.
“Diverse representation matters – it shows students that their ideas, talents and perspectives can shape the future, no matter their background.”
The two scientists visiting towns on the Street Science regional Queensland tour are Dr Sharon Palit (aka Dr Shaz, pictured above on left) and Emma Durban (pictured above middle).
Dr Shaz is a QUT biotechnology graduate and Emma is a science communicator with a background in marine science and data science.
The program will visit 16 schools during its Term 2 trip, with a focus on remote and Indigenous communities.
Street Science 2026 Regional Queensland Tour schedule
April 21 – Burketown State School
April 22 – Karumba State School
April 27 – Tully State School
April 27 – St Gerard Majella School
April 29 – Bell State School
April 30 – Dalby State School
May 1 – Miles State School
May 5 – Alpha State School
May 6 – Blackwater North State School
May 6 – Blackwater State School
May 7 – Capella State School
May 7 – Middlemount Community School
Dr Wruck said she was excited that students in so many remote areas would have the opportunity to experience Street Science over the next few weeks.
“Get ready and get curious!” she said.
“When I was growing up on the Kombumerri Country on the Gold Coast, science wasn’t just something I learned in the classroom – it was in the ocean, the bush and in the world around me.
“Science begins with curiosity. Asking questions like: Why does that happen? What happens if we try this? How does that work?
“That curiosity opened the door for me to become a scientist, a researcher and a university teacher in chemical engineering.
“Science is for you too – no matter where you live or where you’re starting from.
“It’s not about knowing everything, or being the smartest person in the room. It is about staying curious long enough to keep learning. Curiosity is the first step.”
Street Science general manager Brook Anderson said the program’s aim was to ignite curiosity and make science and scientists accessible and real for kids, no matter where they lived.
“Whether it's a big city or a remote town, we're simply on a mission to inspire the next generation of scientific problem solvers,” he said.
“Our national tours take seriously fun science across Australia, delivering curriculum-aligned incursions designed to make science learning exciting, relevant, and accessible.”
“It's our way of driving accessibility, equity, and impact and doing our part to remove barriers to quality STEM education all over Australia.”
Street Science was founded in 2012 by QUT graduate Steve Liddell, who has degrees in science and education. The Australian Government is among its sponsors.
Media contact:
- Mechelle McMahon, QUT media officer, media@qut.edu.au
Main photo at top of page: Street Science presenters Dr Sharon Palit and Emma Durban with QUT's Dr Katrina Wruck and the Street Science ute at Gardens Point campus.
