What is the GSG? 

The Government Scientists Group (GSG) is a group of the Chief Scientists or equivalents from several Australian Government departments, agencies and regulators with science capabilities. The scientists, researchers and regulators in the agencies of the GSG undertake and use highly impactful, world-class research.  

See the list of GSG members and read more about what the GSG do here. 

What is National Science Week? 

National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology. Running each year in August, it features science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) events around Australia.  It aims to encourage an interest in science pursuits, and to acknowledge the work of Australian scientists. 

Read more about National Science Week and see other events on their website. 

What is the GSG STEM Expo? 

The GSG STEM Expo is part of the National Science Week and its aims is to display the diverse range of STEM careers in the GSG. The Expo will have attending agencies set up in booths with representatives to speak to attendees. There will also be a stage and seating for presentations by various agency representatives throughout the day. 

Please see the different agencies appearing and their presentations below. 

The event is designed to showcase the different careers that STEM trained professionals can have beyond academic research. By showcasing the variety and importance of the work that the agencies in the GSG do, we hope to motivate people to continue with STEM studies and pursue a fulfilling career. 

We welcome high schools, tertiary education students, and researchers from Canberra and the surrounding areas to join us in person. If you can’t attend the event in person, you can watch the event presentations online via livestream. More details are available below. 

When and where is the Expo? 

When: 15 August 2024, 10:00am to 4:00pm AEST 

Where: Great Hall, Australian Parliament House, Parliament Drive, Canberra, Ngunnawal Country 

Who is this event for? 

This event is primarily for high-school and university students and STEM professionals of all ages, but we welcome anyone to come along to learn more about STEM and STEM careers in government. 

Do I need to register for the event? 

You do not need to register for the event. If you would like us to send you a reminder or additional information, you can register your interest here. 

I can’t attend in person, how can I participate? 

A livestream of the presentations on the stage at the event will be made available to watch online.  

This link will be publicised on this webpage closer to the event. If you would like a reminder about the livestream, please register your interest here.

Event Accessibility 

We endeavour to make the event as accessible as possible. The event is all on one floor and the event is accessible by wheelchair. 

Further details on the accessibility of Parliament House, including information about strollers, catering, public transport and parking can be found here. 

What is the security process?

When you enter Parliament House, you will go through security screening. Your belongings will be put through screening, and you will walk through a body scanner. 

Prohibited or offensive implements, drugs, or other substances are not permitted and must be surrendered to the Parliamentary Security Service Officer. 

Visitors must comply with any reasonable directions given by a Parliamentary Security Service Officer or member of the Australian Federal Police. 

If you have any specific accessibility needs or concerns with security screening, please email visitorservices@aph.gov.au or call Australian Parliament House on 02 6277 5399 ahead of time so you can be accommodated. 

Which agencies will be attending? 

A full list of booths can be found be found on this webpage.

Presentations will be on every 20 minutes. A full schedule of the presentations and speaker biographies will be published closer to the event. 

What is the event agenda? 

The event agenda is being finalised and will be published on this webpage closer to the event.

Is there food at the event? 

Food is available at APH at the Queen’s Terrace Cafe on Level 1. The cafe is open from 9am to 4pm and serves a variety of grab and go items as well as sit down meals. Food will not be available at the event and is not permitted within the Great Hall. Coffee/tea and water will be provided for event attendees. 

How do I register a class to attend the event? 

You do not need to register to attend this event, however if you would like to receive a reminder or additional information about the event you can register your interest here. 

If you have questions about the event or about subsidised transportation for schools, email ocs-projects@chiefscientist.gov.au 

How do we get there? 

For information on subsidised transport for schools, contact ocs-projects@chiefscientist.gov.au 

Any coaches, hire buses, or taxis should park under Parliament House, at the Forecourt Basement Car Park. 

Once you and your students have arrived at Parliament House, proceed through security and follow signage for the event or for the Great Hall. The entrance is in the centre of the back of the foyer past the staircases. See the Australian Parliament House venue map here. 

Which year groups is this event for? 

This event is designed to show young people a variety of exciting STEM careers and STEM activities. We believe that encouraging STEM interests should happen at all ages and stages of education. However, we recommend this event for senior high school students (years 9 and up) who will be able to meaningfully engage with the representatives and presentations. 

How do I register to attend the event? 

You do not need to register to attend the event. If you would like us to send you a reminder or additional information about the in person event or the livestream of the event presentations, you can register your interest here.. Additional details about the livestream will also be published on the webpage closer to the event. 

How do I get to Parliament House? 

Bike racks, car parking, and taxi and rideshare ranks are all available under Parliament House, in the Forecourt Basement car park.  

A number of bus routes are available, the Federation Mall stop puts you 200m outside of the public entrance. See the available routes on the Transport Canberra Journey Planner here. 

Further transport details are available on the Australian Parliament House website. 

How do I get to the event from Parliament House? 

Once you pass through security to enter the Marble Foyer, follow event signage and signage for the Great Hall. The entrance is in the centre of the back of the foyer past the staircases. See the Australian Parliament House venue map here. 

What is the dress code? 

Business professional attire is recommended for this event.  

Is this only for undergraduate university students? 

We encourage anyone at any age or experience level to attend, including technical college students, post-graduate students and established researchers. There are many pathways to exciting opportunities with the agencies in the GSG. The Expo is a perfect place to discover how you could have a STEM career with impact.