This year's World Science Festival Brisbane will highlight the contributions of First Nations knowledge systems to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Featuring a diverse lineup of Indigenous speakers and events, the festival will showcase the intersection of traditional wisdom and modern scientific inquiry.

From astronomy to sustainable food systems, the program provides a platform for First Nations voices to shape global conversations and expand scientific understanding.

Kooma and Nguri poet and advocate Cheryl Leavy, emphasised the importance of Indigenous perspectives in science.

"First Nations peoples are the first scientists—we have been observing and learning from Country for thousands of generations," she said.

"We embed our knowledge into our way of being and cultural practices and pass that on to future generations."

Ms Leavy highlighted storytelling as a key tool in bridging Indigenous knowledge and modern science.

"Story has always been used to convey complex and highly valuable knowledge across deep time and space," she said.

"First Nations languages have our worldview embedded in them, so storytelling in our languages is vital to our cultural liberation."

The festival will present a range of First Nations speakers and events, offering a space for Indigenous voices to contribute to scientific discussions.

"Festivals like this provide the opportunity to hear directly from First Nations peoples about our priorities and proposed solutions to challenges like climate change," Ms Leavy added.

They include Cheryl Leavy – Poet and advocate for Indigenous language preservation, winner of the 2022 Oodgeroo Noonuccal Poetry Prize, Gavin Singleton (Yirrganydji/Djabugay & Umpila) – Environmental and cultural practitioner focused on sustainable land and water management and Karlie Noon (Gamilaroi) – Indigenous astronomer leading Karlie Noon, Guide to the Galaxy, who will share the significance of traditional star knowledge.

Program highlights include:

Vitrine Gallery at Fish Lane

An exhibition featuring the work of First Nations artists Megan Cope and Jenna Lee, exploring themes of land, identity, and the environment through visual art.

Presented in collaboration with Fish Lane Arts Precinct and Aboriginal Art Co.

Ultimate Cosmic Heavyweights: The Darkest Mysteries of the Universe

Astrophysicist and science communicator Dr Kirsten Banks will lead a discussion on black holes, combining Indigenous astronomical knowledge with modern astrophysics.

A Tastebud Tour with First Nations Food

A showcase of Indigenous food culture led by flavour chemists, sensory scientists, and chef Chris Jordan of Three Little Birds.

The session will explore traditional ingredients and their role in sustainable food systems.

Are Old Ways the New Ways in Science?

A discussion on how Indigenous scientific principles, particularly in marine and coastal management, can inform and enhance modern sustainability practices.

The Festival's full program is available online.