This year's National Science Week unlocked an infinite amount of cosmic curiosity as Australia’s newest STEM ambassador – astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg – took centre stage at events across the country. 

Katherine was on the road for activities and discussions across five states and territories to inspire the next STEM generation. 

During these events, she shared her story of hard work and determination as well as her space themed-STEM career insights. Encouraging the next generation to dream big.

“7 out of 10 Aussie kids want to be an astronaut. It is important to ignite their curiosity from a young age. Kids should dream big and without any limits. Who knows maybe the first person on Mars maybe an Aussie kid?”

~ Katherine Bennell-Pegg, Australian astronaut 

Inspiring the next generation of STEM workforce

The country’s annual celebration of science and technology, National Science Week, was held this year from 10-18 August.

The events and discussions that Katherine attended were held at:

  • Adelaide Science Alive
  • Hobart — Beaker Street Festival
  • Melbourne — Scienceworks
  • Canberra — GSG STEM Expo
  • Sydney — Sydney Science Festival

If you’re not near any of these locations, keep an eye out on our website for more events involving Katherine, who will be travelling to Western Australia and Queensland in the coming weeks.

Media gallery

Click the below images to enlarge them and read their descriptions.

person speaking at an event

Katherine speaking at Scienceworks, Melbourne | Credit: Eugene Hyland

person posing at an event

Katherine with the host of the Scienceworks event in Melbourne.

Person posing at an event

Katherine meeting young space enthusiasts at Scienceworks, Melbourne | Credit: Eugene Hyland

Person speaking at an event

Katherine speaking at Sydney Science Festival | Credit: Andy Roberts, courtesy Powerhouse.

person posing at an event

Katherine speaking at Sydney Science Festival | Credit: Andy Roberts, courtesy Powerhouse.

group photo at an event

Katherine with young space enthusiasts at Sydney Science Festival | Credit: Andy Roberts, courtesy Powerhouse.

person posing at an event

Katherine meeting young space enthusiasts at Scienceworks, Melbourne | Credit: Eugene Hyland

Person posing at an event

Katherine meeting young space enthusiasts at Scienceworks, Melbourne | Credit: Eugene Hyland

a person at an event

Katherine meeting young space enthusiasts at Science Alive, Adelaide.

People on a stage at an event.

Katherine on stage at Beaker Street Festival, Hobart.

People on a stage at an event.

Katherine on stage at Beaker Street Festival, Hobart.

Person speaking at an event

Katherine on stage at Beaker Street Festival, Hobart.

group photo at an event

Katherine with young space enthusiasts at Sydney Science Festival | Credit: Andy Roberts, courtesy Powerhouse.

Person speaking at an event

Katherine speaking at GSG STEM Expo in Canberra

person posing at an event

Katherine with her Australian Space Agency colleagues at GSG STEM Expo in Canberra. 

The Agency had set up a booth at the Expo to spread the message about what Australia is doing about civil space-related activities

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We Acknowledge First Nations Peoples as the Traditional Custodians and Lore Keepers of the oldest living culture and pay respects to their Elders past and present. We extend that respect to all First Nations Peoples.