ABC Radio National’s The Science Show celebrates 50 years on air
On Saturday 30 August 1975, ABC Radio National broadcast their very first episode of The Science Show, live from the 13th Pacific Science Congress in Vancouver.
Fast forward to Saturday 30 August 2025 and The Science Show is celebrating 50 years of all things science with a special birthday broadcast this Saturday at 12pm on ABC Radio National and the ABC listen app.
Including archival audio from the past 50 years, the one-hour program will look at what has changed over time. Long-standing host Robyn Williams will look back on issues such as forestry and asbestos, reflect on some of his memorable hoaxes, and replay an interview with the one and only Sir David Attenborough.
Over its 50-year history, The Science Show has covered stories spanning the full expanse of scientific endeavour and grappled with substantial issues facing society — from very early discussions of climate change to groundbreaking investigations into asbestos and medical malpractice.
It has also highlighted the forgotten work of female scientists, celebrated incredible Australian discoveries and inventions, and featured world-famous names in science — and beyond — including King Charles, Naomi Oreskes, David Suzuki, Alex the Astronaut, Tom Gleeson, Paul Ehrlich, Elizabeth Blackburn, Oliver Sacks and over 100 Nobel Prize winners.
In marking the anniversary, Robyn Williams paid tribute to the strength of Australian science saying “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, Radio National’s Science Editor, said “The Science Show is ABC Radio National’s flagship science program. 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.
“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.”