Techno-wizards, science-maniacs, characters called Hokus and Pokus, digitally resurrected Ghosts, potentially inexistent aliens… and many other fascinating cultural creatures emerging from the intersection between science, technology and fantasy populated the virtual meeting space of the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science on 27 November 2020.

This international online conference explored the way popular entertainment – including historical science shows, clown acts, magic lantern and robot performances – represents and interacts with science and technology. Investigating an array of historical and contemporary examples, drawing from comic book stories, stage performances, visual media, museums displays and popular film, among others, in their academic presentations speakers examined the ways popular culture has played an important role in shaping cultural ideas of science and in exciting the public imagination about scientific themes and discoveries.