The POPSICULE is an open, community-based interdisciplinary platform created by the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science (CPAS) at the Australian National University.
The POPSICULE community explores the CULTURAL MEANINGS OF SCIENCE with the aim to better understand how pop cultural narratives about science have affected the public discourse and understanding of science, and thus our science-society relationship.
We offer lectures, symposia, courses, public events, spectacles, field trips, publications, films and more. We create opportunities for co-learning, co-leadership and co-creation!
If you are an academic, an artist, a scientist, a science communicator, a producer, a student, a maverick, a pop culture nerd or just curious – join us in exploring, inspiring and critically engaging with the public imagination of science!
The Science in Popular Culture and Entertainment Hub of the Australian National University
Together with a network of national and international researchers, students, cultural innovators, creators, producers and funders, we are championing new ideas and cross-sector collaborations. We aim to diversify our understanding of science in society and build narrative power – to shape the way we talk, think and feel about science. We develop and share rigorous learnings and resources about the (pop) cultural work and aesthetic achievements of science through publications, in-person and virtual experiences and public events. We also activate and/or support an ecosystem of cohorts and networks, including street artists, podcast creators, and more.
Explore our platform to find out more about our research and public events, creative science communication products and collaborative adventures at the science-culture interface!
The POPSICULE provides exciting opportunities and resources for students and anyone interested in investigating science in and as popular entertainment and popular culture.
We are particularly interested in exploring science & environmental knowledge in pop culture, our place in the natural world & our responsibility towards non-human species through aesthetic experience. We develop alternative scenarios and imaginaries to the effects and legacies of the fable of human exceptionalism – to drive meaningful change. Find out more & join us!
NEWS
Discover SEASON 8 of our “Science. Art. Film.” series!
Congratulations to POPSICULE’s Dr Anna-Sophie Jürgens, Dr Karina Judd and Crystal-Leigh Clitheroe for being the recipients of the 2025 Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Programs that Enhance Learning 💜🚀💥
Big news from and for the Popsicule!
A huge thank‑you to everyone who has supported, inspired, empowered, energised and contributed to this journey – we’re beyond thrilled to receive this recognition. Here’s to more creativity, collaboration and pops of Popsiculism ahead! 
Calling all PhD candidates with interests in science communication, history of science, history of medicine, (pop) cultural studies and popular entertainment studies.
Here are three brand-new projects:
Wondrous Science and (the Crisis of) Knowledge Credibility: Tracing the Links between Science, Spectacle and Wonder from the 19th Century to Today
Birth Beyond the Body: Science Fiction, Public Narratives and the Communication of Artificial Womb Technology
Revived: Technologies of resuscitation and their portrayal in popular culture
New book publication!
This book uncovers the roles that science communication, humour and pop culture play in shaping our understanding of women in STEM and clarifies what we can learn from popular TV shows about and for the real-life experiences of women working in science, technology, engineering and medicine.
