Australia’s most accomplished science journalist Robyn Williams AO FAA has announced he will finish with ABC Radio National’s The Science Show at the end of the year, concluding his remarkable 51-year run on the program.
Williams has presented The Science Show on ABC Radio National since the program launched in 1975. The Science Show celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025 and is one of the longest-running radio shows in Australia and the world.
“These 51 years have been exciting and an enduring pleasure, as well as a lot of hard work of course.” Wiliams said.
“I did wonder whether 102 years might be a neater number, but no… I will be saying farewell in December and making other plans for 2027 – still about Australian science and still within the ABC.
“Also, I need to start training for the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.”
The Science Show launched on Saturday 30 August 1975 and featured Robyn Williams interviewing Lord Ritchie-Calder, then head of energy policy at the UK House of Lords, who spoke about greenhouse gas emissions and climate impacts.
Across more than half a century of episodes, Williams has explored the breadth of scientific endeavour, bringing audiences stories of discovery, debate and innovation. He has examined some of the most consequential issues facing society, from early discussions about climate change to groundbreaking investigations into the dangers of asbestos and cases of medical malpractice.
ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks said “For more than 50 years, Robyn has shared the excitement of discovery with audiences across the country, bringing clarity, insight and wonder to some of the most important scientific questions of our age.
“Through The Science Show, he has nurtured generations of curious minds and left an enduring mark on Australian public life. His legacy at the ABC and across the scientific community is profound, and his influence will be felt for decades to come. I thank Robyn for his passion, his commitment, and his intellect in serving the audiences of the ABC.”
Over its 50 years, The Science Show has featured more than 100 Nobel Prize winners including Sir Paul Nurse, Prof Elizabeth Blackburn, Prof Brian Schmidt, Prof Peter Doherty, Sir Macfarlane Burnet and high-profile guests including King Charles, Sir David Attenborough, Naomi Oreskes, David Suzuki, Paul Ehrlich, Oliver Sacks, Alex the Astronaut and Tom Gleeson.
For his role as presenter, Williams was proclaimed a National Living Treasure in 1987, made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1988 for service to science and in 2020 was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). Williams has been awarded eight honorary doctorates from The University of Sydney, The University of NSW, University of South Australia, The University of Queensland, The Australian National University, Macquarie University and Deakin University.
There will be opportunities to celebrate Robyn’s time on the program in the coming months. Robyn will remain with the ABC focusing on science programming. The ABC will make announcements about the next generation of The Science Show later this year.