Online masterclasses 2025
Our popular online masterclasses – held each year during Science Festival – are a series of 60-minute lectures showcasing University of Melbourne scientists and their research. Expect engaging presentations, interactive Q&A, live demonstrations and plenty of fun!
This year's topics ranged from Indigenous astronomy and bird nest architecture to bushfire management and the secret life of sheep, hosted by Julia Cleghorn, Manager of the Faculty of Science's STEM Outreach Programs. Catch up on the recordings below.
Stories, seasons and signposts in the sky: Indigenous astronomy
Over countless generations, First Nations Australians have sustained their peoples and cultures by linking deep knowledge of Country to careful observations of the sun, moon, constellations, and other dynamic features of the southern sky. Hear ancient stories and learn some sky-reading skills to build your understanding of space, navigation, seasonal phenomena, and Indigenous cultures. This session includes an overview of the Melbourne Indigenous STEM Education Program.
Presented by: Associate Professor Duane Hamacher (School of Physics) and Ellen Tunumafono (Senior Coordinator, Indigenous Engagement and Outreach Programs)
Bird nests around the world: natural wonders with climate clues
Despite their tiny brains, birds are amazing architects, and we can learn a lot from their nest designs – including domes, cups and pendants. How did nest building evolve? Why are nests so diverse? Will birds successfully adapt their nests as the climate warms? To find out, Dr Iliana Medina Guzman has analysed hundreds of nests from around the world, in museums and in the wild. Join her interactive exploration of these beautiful and innovative constructions, live from the University of Melbourne’s Burnley campus.
Presented by: Dr Iliana Medina Guzman (School of BioSciences)
Burning lessons from Country: ancient and new understanding of bushfires
To reduce the frequency and impact of bushfires, we need better understanding of their behaviour and how we can manage it. We can improve our understanding by studying wildfires, by conducting careful experiments, and by learning from Indigenous peoples who have long used fire to care for Country. Join two scientists exploring these approaches, live from the University’s Creswick campus – on Dja Dja Wurrung land – a centre for forest research since 1910 that now houses a world-class fire laboratory.
Presented by: Professor Trent Penman and Maddison Miller (School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences)
The secret life of sheep: how technology and animal behaviour research are shaping agriculture
Join Dr Danica Parnell live from the University of Melbourne’s Dookie campus for a fun experience to understand how animal behaviour data can be used in agriculture. Using non-invasive, remote sensing and tracking technology, we can study how animals explore and interact with their environment, and how they relate and respond to each other. Discover how cutting-edge technology is transforming farming, animal management practices, agricultural research, to help farmers improve both livestock wellbeing and overall productivity.
Presented by: Dr Danica Parnell (School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences)
Stopping the superbugs: a preventive prescription for pets and their people
Over-use and misuse of antibiotics, antivirals and antifungals is accelerating the evolution of resistance to these drugs in microbes, creating dangerous “superbugs” – including some that can pass between animals and people. How can we help vets, doctors, and other healthcare professionals prevent antimicrobial resistance, avoid cross-species infection, and save lives? To find out, join Dr Laura Hardefeldt, an emerging international leader in antimicrobial stewardship, live from the University’s Werribee campus – home of the Melbourne Veterinary School.
Presented by: Associate Professor Laura Hardefeldt (Melbourne Veterinary School)
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