“The Science Circus gave me a great start down my career path and continues to help. It has also linked me into a network of science communicators, any of whom I can ring up and say “I’m ex-circus” and know that I have an instant open-door. And as a journalist, a communications network is the most valuable tool you can have.”

Sara Phillips, Award-winning environment journalist and editor (2000 team)

“Touring with the Science Circus is an educational experience like no other. It opened my eyes to a whole new world of potential and furnished me with the skills and confidence to pursue a career path I’d never dreamt of.”

Ruben Meerman, ‘Surfing Scientist’, television presenter and children’s author (1995 team)

“I would (and do!) recommend the Science Circus to anyone interested in pursuing a career in science communication. While doing the course I appreciated the recognised postgraduate degree, the wide experience in communication activities from writing articles to designing exhibits and the contacts that helped me get started in science communication.”

Simon Torok, Communications and Marketing Manager for CSIRO Atmospheric Research, and author of children’s science books (1995 team)

“In every job I have held, at the Australian Museum, The British Council and the British Natural History Museum, I have drawn on my experiences with the Science Circus. My Circus experience was both as a scholar/explainer and later as a coordinator/associate lecturer – and I found uses for these skills, often in unexpected ways. The things I feel I make most use of on a regular basis are the more ‘general’ skills and experiences; skills in teamwork and in managing teams, writing with brevity and clarity, or the confidence to walk into a room full of strangers and interact with them in a meaningful way. And the practical skills in exhibit development, in moving exhibitions around, and the presentation practice from over 300 science shows doesn’t hurt either!”

Michael Harvey, Head of Exhibitions, Web and Creative Services at the Australian Museum (1992 team)

“My year with the Science Circus allowed me to develop a number of skills. Being comfortable with public speaking is a key skill - being able to do routinely what many people regard as almost as scary as death is a key advantage in the workplace! I also was fortunate to have the opportunity to work as a cadet journalist during my circus year - a key lesson in being clear, concise and in engaging an audience with my writing. I met many inspirational scientists and journalists who taught me to have big dreams and to work hard to achieve them, but to have fun too!”

Dr Jodie Varnai Henry, Manager of Communications and Coordination at Commercialisation Australia (1999 team)

In 25 years, more than 350 graduates have completed the Science Circus program. Many have transferred their skills and continued to communicate science to people through a variety of professions.