This important new Royal Society of Victoria program brought leading scientists from Melbourne to the regional centres of Castlemaine, Bendigo and Swan Hill, where they participated in some or all of three activities:

"Why do Science?" - a visit to a secondary school to talk to students about why the visiting scientists chose science as a career, and about their current research activities

"Past and Future Science" - a public lecture open to all the community. The lectures included a view of science 150 years ago, when Burke and Wills set out, followed by talks from scientists working at the leading edge of scientific research today - for example, Dr Mary Familari providing an update on the status of stem cell research or Dr Bill Birch talking about geological discoveries at Lake Boga since the Expedition passed through Swan Hill.

"Meet a Scientist" - luncheon or dinner providing an opportunity for students, parents and other members of the community to meet scientists and discuss their work in a more informal atmosphere. Visiting scientists were joined by locally-based scientists for these events.