The Science Show marks 50 years on ABC Radio National

ABC Radio National’s The Science Show will celebrate its 50th anniversary this Saturday, 30 August, with a one-hour special broadcast at 12pm on ABC Radio National and the ABC listen app.

The program first aired on 30 August 1975, live from the Pacific Science Congress in Vancouver.

Since then, it has become a cornerstone of Australian science broadcasting, tackling issues from climate change and forestry to medical malpractice and asbestos investigations.

The anniversary edition will include archival audio from the past five decades. Long-time host Robyn Williams will revisit notable moments, including a replay of an interview with Sir David Attenborough, reflections on memorable hoaxes, and discussions of how science coverage has evolved.

The Science Show’s long-standing host Robyn Williams

Over its 50 years, The Science Show has featured more than 100 Nobel Prize winners and high-profile guests such as King Charles, Naomi Oreskes, David Suzuki, Paul Ehrlich, Elizabeth Blackburn, Oliver Sacks, Alex the Astronaut and Tom Gleeson.

The program has also spotlighted the overlooked contributions of women in science and celebrated major Australian discoveries and inventions.

Williams said the program had been shaped by the strength of Australian research: “The Science Show has been transformed over the years by the surprising brilliance of Australian research – how could one ignore such creative and useful revelations?”

Jonathan Webb, ABC Radio National’s science editor, described the program as the network’s “flagship science program,” noting its enduring audience: “After 50 remarkable years, it is still broadcast to an incredibly loyal audience at 12 noon on Saturdays – and reaches thousands more as a podcast, including many overseas.”

Webb added: “It’s incredible to think that The Science Show has been tackling the biggest of ideas, interviewing the biggest names, spotlighting new talent, supporting investigative journalism, wielding influence on policy and telling phenomenal stories, every single Saturday since August 1975.”

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