Scitech partners with Minderoo to bring ocean exhibition to life

Scitech and Minderoo Foundation are embarking on an exciting journey beneath the waves, partnering to develop a new, world-leading exhibition that explores the wonder and importance of our oceans.

Oceans: The World Beneath the Waves will be a fully immersive experience, inviting visitors to climb aboard a research vessel and journey through five marine environments – exploring the coast, coral reef, kelp forest, deep sea and polar seas.

The interactive exhibition will encourage visitors to discover how science, technology and innovation are driving ocean conservation, and how their own actions can help protect marine environments for generations to come.

Minderoo Foundation’s $3.5 million commitment will enable Scitech to not only inspire visitors at its Discovery Centre in Perth, but also take the experience to audiences across Australia and around the world.

Following its 12-month residency at the Scitech Discovery Centre from October 2026, Oceans will travel to international science centres, engaging hundreds of thousands of people globally.

A second regional travelling version of the exhibition will bring the story of ocean conservation to communities throughout Australia.

Scitech Chief Executive Officer Dr John Chappell said the wonder and diversity of ocean environments provided a fascinating entry-point to engage Western Australians in real-world science, technology and innovation.

“Oceans cover about 71% of our planet and are essential for all life on Earth,” said Dr Chappell.

“Science, technology, engineering and mathematics play a key role in helping us understand more about marine environments, and creating solutions to protect and conserve these vital ecosystems.

“We hope this exhibition will spark curiosity, inspire action and create the next generation of ocean champions.”

Designed and built onsite in the Scitech Workshop, the creation of Oceans will draw on a diverse mix of expertise including science communication, computer modelling, software, electronics, fabrication and design.

Scitech will also collaborate with research and industry partners, including Minderoo Foundation, to bring the latest marine science and conservation innovation to life for visitors.

Minderoo Foundation CEO John Hartman said the partnership reflected Minderoo’s commitment to deepening understanding of the world’s oceans through science, learning and public engagement.

“Our oceans sustain life on Earth, yet much of what happens beneath the surface remains out of sight and out of mind,” Mr Hartman said.

“This exhibition brings world‑leading marine science to life in a powerful, immersive way, helping people of all ages understand why ocean health matters and how informed choices and innovation can protect it for future generations.”

Scitech is a leading producer and exporter of interactive science exhibitions, currently touring 10 exhibitions internationally with more than a million people experiencing its award-winning creations each year.

Oceans: The World Beneath the Waves will open at the Scitech Discovery Centre in West Perth in October 2026.

Scitech CEO John Chappell, Scitech Content Producer Kimberley Phoon, and Andrew Forrest test out one of the exhibition activities – using a digital microscope to look at marine specimens.