Future Science Talks: Comedy Edition - NAFA 2025

Science and stand-up comedy might seem like strange bedfellows, but Future Science Talks: Comedy Edition proved they’re a match made in intellectual heaven. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Dave Cristante as part of his 2025 NAFA series, this event delivered a refreshing blend of knowledge and laughter, making complex topics accessible and entertaining for a broad audience.

The format featured a series of short, punchy presentations from academics and professionals, many of whom hailed from Townsville and James Cook University (JCU). Among the standout speakers was Dr. Stephanie Duce, who tackled the vulnerability of reef islands with a clever analogy likening their fragility to the same principal of calculating risk like an insurance policy. Her talk was both enlightening and amusing, peppered with references to boobies (yes, the bird kind) and cheeky nods to the other kind, keeping the crowd engaged and chuckling.

Carlie Walker brought a different kind of insight with her presentation on workplace injury prevention. Her approach was both practical and humorous, earning her the unofficial title of “Marie Kondo of the workplace.” She emphasised the importance of maintaining a clutter-free environment to avoid both physical and psychological harm. Her memorable mantra “Don’t put your hand where you wouldn’t put your willy” struck a chord with the audience, blending safety advice with a dose of adult humour that was just risqué enough to keep things lively without crossing the line.

Cristante himself didn’t shy away from the political edge, taking aim at developers like Clive Palmer and Gina Rinehart for their roles in environmental degradation. Drawing from his experience with WWF, he spoke passionately about rewilding efforts, particularly the reintroduction of quolls and other apex predators into natural habitats. His message was clear: restoring ecological balance isn’t just good science—it’s essential for controlling vermin and preserving biodiversity.

The talk's tone was mostly PG, though some of the more mature jokes were clearly aimed at the adult contingent in the crowd. References to Trump and Tay Tay added a pop culture twist, ensuring the content stayed fresh and relatable. The fusion of scientific rigor with comedic timing made for an engaging experience that left attendees smarter and more knowledgeable than when they arrived.