National Science Week inspires Gen Z scientists
As part of National Science Week 2025, Western Sydney University together with the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Education (CoE), Local Land Services, Earth Care, and Hawkesbury City Council, has hosted a week-long event designed to inspire the next generation of scientists and environmental leaders.
With a focus on sustainability in the Hawkesbury, Re-Gen Z Science, 11-15 August, invited young people to participate in interactive sessions, expert-led discussions, and demonstrations on water management, soil care, plant pollination, ecosystem restoration and regenerative agriculture.
These sessions provided an opportunity to engage with experts and digital tools, like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), to address some of the most pressing science issues of our time and the solutions we are developing to address them.
Dr Mark Jones, Associate Dean of Engagement and Advancement in the School of Science at Western Sydney University, said the program reflects a growing need for science education to be locally relevant, hands-on, and inclusive of diverse communities.
“We’re empowering the next generation of science leaders by bringing them into real-world problem solving. By combining traditional knowledge, community expertise, and digital tools like AI and GIS, we’re not just teaching science, we’re using it to shape a more sustainable and informed future for the Hawkesbury,” said Dr Jones.
A highlight of the week was the interactive ‘Sustainability in Action’ field day, where participants could experience hands-on activities showcasing ecosystem restoration and regenerative agriculture techniques in real environments.
The program also featured a round table sustainable science discussion with industry professionals and scientists from Local Land Services, Hawkesbury City Council, Earth Care, the University's School of Science and Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, alongside First Nations leaders and next generation leaders from Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Education (CoE) Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
Western Sydney University has been named number one in the world for its social, economic and environmental impact in the prestigious 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings for an unprecedented fourth year in a row. This includes ranking 4th in the world for SDG 15 Life on Land, 8th in the world for SDG 13 Climate Action and SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production, and 9th in the world for SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation.
National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology. Running each year in August, it features more than 2,000 events around Australia, including those delivered by universities, schools, research institutions, libraries, museums and science centres.
ENDS
20 August 2025
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