Douglas Bair

Douglas Bair is a science engagement and public programs professional with more than 15 years of experience creating compelling experiences that connect audiences with science, nature, and innovation. He is currently an Engagement Officer with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Plants for Space, where he develops programs and initiatives that explore the future of sustainable food and plant-based technologies for space and Earth.

Throughout his career, Douglas has worked as a Freelance Experience and across museums, aquariums, environmental centres, and research organisations in roles including Assistant Producer of Public Programs, Content Producer, and science communicator. His work focuses on transforming complex scientific concepts into engaging, audience-centred experiences through exhibitions, live events, educational programs, and digital content.

Holding degrees in both Environmental Biology and Circus Arts, Douglas brings a distinctive interdisciplinary perspective to engagement practice. He is particularly interested in the intersection of science, storytelling, performing arts, and visual culture, and is passionate about designing innovative learning experiences that inspire curiosity, participation, and meaningful connections between people and science.

Douglas Bair will be speaking at the Museums & Public Programs Summit :

How to Reach 100,000 People Without a Permanent Exhibition

A joyful deep dive into how the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space (P4S) reached more than 100,000 participants through playful science, storytelling, and museum partnerships. Discover how “space farming” kits, pop-up galleries, and community-built cookbooks turned complex research into hands-on, hope-filled public programs. This session shares the design secrets behind P4S’s national impact—how to engage diverse audiences, spark curiosity, and scale experiences far beyond your walls. Come for the sci-fi inspiration, stay for the practical ideas you can take straight back to your museum or community space.