National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology. Held in August each year, it features more than 2,000 events around Australia. From hands-on explorations of the science behind beach safety for families, to the mathematics of quilting, to adults-only talks about animal reproduction, there’s an event to suit just about everyone! Over three million people participate in science events across the nation. Established in 1997, National Science Week provides an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of Australian scientists to the world of knowledge. It also aims to encourage an interest in science pursuits among the general public, and to encourage younger people to be fascinated by the world we live in. As Australia’s national science agency and a founding partner, CSIRO has an important role to play in this event. It aims to promote science education, spark public interest in research, emphasise the significance of scientific progress and inspire the next generation.