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Robyn Williams has not been confirmed as leaving ABC Radio National’s The Science Show. The latest ABC program listings, updated 17 October 2026, credit Williams and Belinda Smith as presenters of new episodes and retain the show’s regular Saturday schedule. No final episode, retirement date or successor has been announced in the available records.
What the latest ABC information shows
The claim that Williams will leave The Science Show after 51 years is not supported by the current ABC listing. Episodes released in October 2026 name Williams and science journalist Belinda Smith together. ABC science editor Jonathan Webb described the change as the program welcoming a co-presenter after five decades as a one-person presentation, not as a retirement announcement.
That distinction matters: Smith is documented as a co-presenter, while Williams remains part of the presenting team. The available ABC material does not identify anyone replacing him, set a last broadcast date or say that he is leaving the ABC.
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How long has Robyn Williams hosted the program?
The Science Show began on 30 August 1975, broadcasting live from the 13th Pacific Science Congress in Vancouver. ABC anniversary coverage says the program reached 50 years on air in 2025, making the 2026 season its 51st year. Williams has been the principal presenter throughout that exceptionally long run.
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| Milestone | Documented detail |
|---|---|
| First broadcast | 30 August 1975, live from the 13th Pacific Science Congress in Vancouver |
| 50th anniversary | Marked in 2025 |
| Programs produced | More than 2,600 |
| Nobel laureates interviewed | More than 100 |
| 2026 presenting arrangement | Robyn Williams and Belinda Smith |
Why the program has remained significant
ABC describes the program as covering the full range of scientific endeavour as well as major public-interest questions. Its subjects have included early discussions of climate change, biodiversity, nuclear risk, forestry, asbestos, medical malpractice and scientific fraud. Episodes have also examined Australian discoveries and the challenge of explaining specialist research to a general audience.
The interview roster has included David Attenborough and more than 100 Nobel Prize winners. Anniversary coverage credits Williams with helping audiences understand complex research and with giving Australian science a prominent, accessible national platform. Williams has described the program’s evolution in these terms: “The Science Show has been transformed over the years by the surprising brilliance of Australian research – how could one ignore such creative and useful revelations?”
What Belinda Smith’s role means
A co-presenter, not a named replacement
Smith’s addition changes the presentation format from a long-running solo-host model to co-presenting. Jonathan Webb wrote that “After 50 years (!) as a one-man show, the SCIENCE SHOW will welcome a co-presenter: the incomparable Robyn Williams is joined this year by Belinda Smith.” The wording identifies a new partnership while keeping Williams in the role.
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What has not been announced
- No official final episode for Williams is listed.
- No retirement date has been published.
- No successor to Williams has been named.
- No statement says Williams is leaving ABC Radio National.
How listeners can follow the current program
The program retains its regular Saturday ABC Radio National schedule, with episodes also available through the ABC’s listening catalogue. Current listings are the best guide to the presenting credits: October 2026 entries show Williams and Smith together. A future change would require a new ABC announcement or an updated program listing.
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What the “after 51 years” wording gets wrong
The phrase combines a genuine anniversary with an unverified departure. Williams has been associated with the program since its 1975 launch, and the show is in its 51st year in 2026. However, the documented 2026 development is Smith joining as co-presenter. Treating that development as Williams’ exit turns a format change into a retirement story that the current evidence does not establish.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Bottom line on Williams’ future
As of 17 October 2026, Robyn Williams remains a presenter of The Science Show. Belinda Smith has joined him as co-presenter, and the show continues its weekly ABC Radio National run. Until ABC publishes a final episode or retirement announcement, reports that Williams is leaving after 51 years should be treated as unconfirmed.
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