Parasite Pandemic in Canberra
Parasite Pandemic in Canberra is a series of National Science Week events for anyone aged 12 and over.
Event series
Cost
Free
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RegisterDescription
Celebrating 2025 National Science Week in Canberra. These Inspiring Australia events are supported by the Australian Government as part of National Science Week and co-hosted by the Australian National University and the Australian Society for Parasitology.
This is a series of four National Science Week events, with multiple time-slots for each event. Please note that due to the laboratory equipment used, these events are for people aged 12 years and over.
Places are limited and bookings are essential for each event, see booking links below. Please get in touch if you have any queries or if you have any special needs secretary@parasite.org.au.
Parasite Pandemic Escape room – A Race for the Antidote
Your mission: find the antidote and save humankind from a rapidly spreading parasite pandemic!
Through this one-hour, hands-on experience, Escape Room participants will gain a taste of how scientists tackle global health challenges. You must work together in a research laboratory to solve a series of puzzles, crack codes, and answer questions.
This event is suitable for people who are 12 years old and over due to the laboratory equipment used.
Please click here to book online for this free event.

Parasite Pandemic: Walk in the shoes of a parasitologist
Can you keep a parasite as a pet? Is a “parasite zoo” full of awesome creatures – or ones you’d rather not meet?
Parasitologists from the Australian National University will share their passion for studying parasites. With a wide range of backgrounds, they will demonstrate that there is a path to science for everyone. This workshop will end with a tour of the “Parasite Zoo” exhibition where you can see preserved parasites and even live leeches!
Click here to book.

Parasites in Manga: Fact or Fiction? Workshop
In this interactive, one-hour workshop participants will use online modules that explore how parasites are portrayed in media. Be introduced to characters with parasitic infections in Japanese manga, and debunk viral TikTok claims about parasites and their infections! Can nature be more fascinating than fiction?
Please book online for this free event.

Virtual Parasites
Explore the fascinating world of parasites using virtual reality.
Visit a farm using virtual reality and use your virtual diagnostic techniques to find and treat all of the different parasites (endoparasites and ectoparasites) that can infect a cow. Then go on a camping trip using virtual reality and avoid multiple parasitic infections. you’ll need to be on the lookout- there are many potential sources on your trip!
Please book online for this free event.
Location
R.N Robertson Building, 46 Sullivans Creek Road, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601