For National Science Week 2026, the centre organised a series of free public events in partnership with Brisbane Education Centres, specifically Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre and Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre. These events allowed CIPPS scientists an opportunity to engage with local communities, share their research stories, and demonstrate how advances in peptide and protein science can shape the growth of Australia’s future.

Across the Science Week weekend, CIPPS Outreach Ambassadors Adele Gonsalvez and Andrea Schraven were equipped with excitement and enthusiasm to showcase their research on two of Australia’s most iconic species, the platypus and the Tasmanian devil.

In ‘Platypus Venom Revealed’, Adele shared fascinating insights into the biology of the platypus, a uniquely Australian species known for its unusual combination of mammalian features, with a duck-like bill and a beaver-like tail. She highlighted the rare venom system that is only present in male species, and discussed how scientists, like herself, are understanding what complex mixture of proteins are in this venom to understand how venoms work and discover new therapeutic molecules for development. Our event, ‘Platypus Venom Revealed’, also captured the interest of ABC Tropical North, with radio presenter Robb Kidd interviewing Outreach Ambassador Elspeth McLennon from the Australasian Wildlife Genomics Group on this topic.

In ‘Saving the Tasmanian Devil’, Andrea talked about the plight of the Tassie devil, whose populations have been severely impacted by the devil facial tumour disease. Her presentation showcased how research and conservation efforts can intertwine to protect the species, including captive breeding, population monitoring, and habitat-based management strategies. By learning more about their health, genetics, biomolecules (such as peptides), and the environment, we can use this knowledge to inform conservation efforts and help protect this unique Australian species for generations to come.

Our participation in Science Week aims to bridge the gap between research and the community. Through engaging activities and conversations, we aim to inspire scientific curiosity in younger audiences, build trust in science, and demonstrate how discoveries at CIPPS can make a positive impact on everyday lives.