Entertainment
3 August, 2025
Trading lab coats for laughs
SCIENCE meets stand-up as Future Science Talks makes its Cairns Festival debut, with local scientists trading lab coats for laughs in a clever, crowd-pleasing comedy show that’s already captivated audiences across Australia.
Billed as ‘Australia’s favourite science comedy show’ the live event pairs professional scientists with comedians to turn complex topics into clever, crowd-pleasing comedy.
After sell-out shows across the country, the format lands in Cairns with a fresh line-up of local and emerging science professionals who are ready to share their research ... and their punchlines.
“We are very excited to be bringing ‘Future Science Talks: Comedy Edition’ to the Cairns Festival,” said Dave Crisante, director of Future Science Talks.
“This show is a celebration of the science achievements and advancements taking place in Cairns,” he said.
In 2025, the Cairns edition features a brand-new cohort of local scientists who have trained in science communication and live performance to deliver their knowledge in a whole new way.
“Cairns’ science professionals are partnering with comedians to learn stand-up comedy techniques and make their storytelling more engaging and fun,” Mr Crisante said.
He said that, while the line-up for this year’s event would be announced shortly, the show continued to highlight the region’s status as a science hub.
“Cairns is a leader in science – especially in ecology and marine science,” he said.
“Cairns has a proportionately higher number of science professionals in the community compared to other regional centres throughout Australia.
“We are very excited to be harnessing this expertise and showcasing the breadth of science being advanced by locals living in Cairns.”
James Cook University and CQUniversity have been invited to take part.
Future Science Talks is suitable for curious minds aged 14-plus.
Catch the show at CPAC on September 4 as it makes its Cairns Festival debut.
Tickets and full show details available at
