About

Free Range Science is funded by the Victorian Government to bring science and scientists out of the lab and into the towns of regional Victoria. It is administered by RiAus, Australia’s unique science communication hub and aims to capture the community’s interest in science. Our events inspire people to explore science and to observe how it affects their everyday lives. The program puts locals in touch with the people who research, design, create and use science and technology.

Established in 2009, Free Range Science has delivered exciting events which have reached thousands of people in every region of Victoria. We often team up with sporting events, arts festivals, book festivals, country shows and farmers markets, bringing the fun and intrigue of science to the public.

Our entertaining and engaging program covers every field of science, from food to engineering, neuroscience to biotechnology. Chances are we’ll be coming through your region, so keep an eye out and discover the fascinating scientific world around us.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities please contact Dr. Kathy Granger Nicholson, RiAus Development Manager.

Meet the Free Range Science team

Deb Shaw
Programs Co-ordinator

Deb started her working life as a banker but after nine years realised a science degree was calling to her. Completing her qualifications at the University of Adelaide, Deb moved to Canberra to undertake a Graduate Diploma in Science Communication at the ANU and had the best year of her life promoting science awareness around regional Australia as a member of the Shell Questacon Science Circus.

Since completing her studies Deb has worked in a variety of scientific and communication roles in both Australia and the UK, including a five-year management position with a clinical trial facility.

Deb joined the RiAus in October 2010 and since then has been hard at work demonstrating that science really can be fun – for everyone.

Kiran Shettigara
Programs Co-ordinator

Kiran always thought that science was very cool, but knew that research wasn’t her calling. Her passion for science communications was born as a participant in the National Youth Science Forum, where she witnessed the impact that effective science engagement can have on people’s lives.

With undergraduate degrees in Science (Ecology and Wildlife) and Arts (English), she started her career as an Environmental Assessment Consultant before moving to the Department for Water. Throughout this time she volunteered at National Science Week events and at the RiAus, re-sparking her enthusiasm for engaging the community with science.

She officially joined RiAus in late 2010, and recently completed a Graduate Diploma in Communications (Public Relations).

Ben Lewis
Programs Co-ordinator

Ben is a recent graduate from the University of South Australia with a PhD in skin cancer biology and molecular pharmacology, having already completed a degree in biotechnology and qualifications in research commercialisation. Ben discovered his passion for science communication having been involved in teaching and public engagement activities for UniSA during his PhD, as well as being an event volunteer with the RiAus. He has previously worked at the Australian Science Media Centre, and now works at RiAus as Programs Co-ordinator.

With his background in research and the news media, he is relishing the opportunity to bring his passion for science and research to the public. Ben also writes the occasional science blog thatscienceguy.

James Byrne
Programs Co-ordinator

James is completing his PhD in Microbial Pathogenesis following a Bachelor of Science with Honours at the University of Adelaide. During his time at the University James was Associate Lecturer in undergraduate biology, bringing his experience in communication and education to his role at RiAus. James has a long term interest in science communication, and previously volunteered for RiAus events. He writes popular science articles for various newspapers as well as COSMOS magazine, and Scientific American online. James is passionate about applying his research and communication skills to promote science more widely to the public, and continues to advocate high quality science writing in the media and online.

James’ blog at the Scientific American is called Disease Prone.