Science After Dark elegantly brings science to the people.  The show is hosted by Ben McAllister, a physicist with a special interest in dark matter and renowned for his stint with the Naked Scientists, and Taryn Laubenstein, a marine biologist working on a major project for sustainable oceans and coasts, ironically based in ‘landlocked’ Canberra.

Self-effacing, they set out the format for the evening with a bit of lively banter which makes it clear they are bright and fun-loving.

After the introduction, we meet our first guest scientist who picks up the microphone and assumes centre stage in a comfy armchair.  There are two different guests each night.

On this particular occasion first we met Dr Lucy who chatted about her research in the field of bacteriophages.  She was suitably effusive with great encouragement from our hosts who teased out the key themes and helped make them accessible while maintaining the lighthearted feel.

Our second guest scientist on the night was Will, an ear, nose and throat doctor with a special interest in cochlear implants.  Like Lucy, Will was very enthusiastic about his field and because of the language involved (cochlea, insertion, curved tip etc) there was ample opportunity for double entendre which Ben and Taryn seized and ran with to the point where we were all roaring with laughter.

The success of each show depends not only on the eloquence, enthusiasm and effusiveness of the guests but also relies on the great communication skills of Ben and Taryn.

They made it appear effortless the way they put the guests at ease and helped make the science accessible.  Knowing the right moment to interject, to clarify a concept or take the opportunity for a flippant remark ensured we all enjoyed an evening of science.
The show finished with a fun ‘trivial pursuit’ style quiz pitting the guests against the hosts against the audience.  Apparently the audience wins every time and this night was no exception.

All in all a fun 45 minutes of science.  Learning and laughter, what a great combination!

If you can’t get to a live show or wish to experience more, the team responsible, the Curio Network, also present a series of science podcasts through their website.