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| Scitech | |
|---|---|
| Name | Scitech |
| Established | 2003 |
| Location | Perth, Western Australia |
| Type | Science centre |
Scitech
Scitech is a science centre in Perth, Western Australia, that presents interactive science communication and public engagement through hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, and planetarium presentations. It serves as a focal point for regional science education initiatives and collaborates with cultural institutions, universities, and government agencies to deliver programs spanning astronomy, biology, technology, and engineering. Scitech engages families, school groups, and professional audiences with exhibitions and outreach that intersect with major scientific institutions and international exhibitions.
Scitech operates as an independent not-for-profit organisation that curates public-facing experiences drawing on expertise from organisations such as Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Curtin University, University of Western Australia, Murdoch University, and Telethon Kids Institute. Its venue houses a large planetarium and rotating galleries, with programming that references collections and exhibitions from institutions like the British Museum, Smithsonian Institution, and Science Museum, London. The centre positions itself within networks including the Australian Science and Technology Network, the Science Centre World Summit, and collaborations with state entities such as the Western Australian Museum and City of Perth.
Scitech was established in the early 21st century amid a wave of renewed investment in interactive science centres worldwide following models set by institutions like the Exploratorium, Ontario Science Centre, and Deutsches Museum. Early development drew on partnerships with agencies including Department of Industry, Science and Resources (Australia), philanthropies such as the Perth Festival Foundation, and corporate supporters like Woodside Energy and BHP. Over time Scitech expanded programming through links with research bodies such as CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science, the Australian Space Agency, and international collaborators including NASA, European Space Agency, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. Major milestones involved opening an upgraded planetarium, touring exhibitions linked to institutions like the Natural History Museum, London and hosting national outreach aligned with initiatives from Australian Research Council and National Science Week.
Scitech’s exhibits cover themes including astronomy, life sciences, robotics, and earth science, often referencing the work of researchers from Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, and CSIRO. Past touring exhibitions have included content co-designed with Science Museum, London, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, and Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. Hands-on zones feature robotics and coding stations inspired by projects from Raspberry Pi Foundation, IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, and competitions like the FIRST Robotics Competition. Planetarium shows draw on datasets from Hubble Space Telescope, James Webb Space Telescope, and mapping resources such as Geoscience Australia. Temporary exhibits have showcased themes tied to events like the International Year of Chemistry and collaborations with arts organisations including Australian Centre for the Moving Image.
Scitech provides curriculum-aligned school programs developed in consultation with education bodies such as the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority and state education departments including the Western Australian Department of Education. Outreach extends to remote and regional communities through partnerships with organisations like Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia and initiatives modeled on the National Science Week roadshows. Professional development for teachers has been delivered with input from universities such as Edith Cowan University and institutes like the Australian Academy of Science. Community programs have featured family science nights, industry engagement events with partners such as Chevron Australia and Rio Tinto, and citizen science projects connected to platforms like Zooniverse.
The Scitech complex includes exhibition halls, workshop spaces, a large-format planetarium, and an auditorium, designed to meet accessibility standards and visitor flow considerations similar to developments at Eden Project and London Science Museum. Architectural planning consulted firms experienced with cultural institutions and venues used for touring exhibits from organisations such as National Gallery of Australia. Back-of-house facilities support exhibit fabrication and conservation in partnership with technical teams influenced by practices at Smithsonian Institution and Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences.
Research collaborations link Scitech with higher education and research institutions including Curtin University, University of Western Australia, Murdoch University, and national research agencies such as CSIRO. Projects have included evaluation studies on informal learning drawing on methodologies used by researchers at Monash University and University of Melbourne, co-designed public engagement projects with Australian Academy of Science, and international exchanges with the Association of Science-Technology Centers. Funding and project partners have encompassed philanthropic foundations, corporate sponsors including Fortescue Metals Group, and government grants aligning with initiatives from Australia Council for the Arts.
Scitech operates daily with ticketed access to exhibitions, planetarium sessions, and special events; bookings and accessibility information are managed in line with policies of venues such as Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre and tourism frameworks promoted by Tourism Western Australia. Visitor services include educational bookings for school groups, venue hire for corporate functions, and membership programs comparable to offerings at the Melbourne Museum and Powerhouse Museum.
Category:Science museums in Australia