“Science is so important to everything in life,” she says. “I want to inspire children to be scientists. So many people don’t see its relevance, but science plays a part in everything we do.”

Working from the premise that children understand more than we think, Nicola says the show will be very hands-on and visual, with a changing audience of children, and that she will present it herself.

“My aim is to make it personable, and I think I’ll be able to get the message across while very much being myself,” she says.

“I want to talk to the children in a way that gives them credit, and encourages them to see science as I do – creative, exciting and important for everything.”

Nicola, who also runs a copywriting business, says her area of expertise is studying cold tolerance in wheat at a gene level.

“By 2050, food production will have to increase by 50 per cent, so this research is helping humanity,” she says. “How are we going to feed the world? I love discovering new things and concepts that relate to life – it’s something that really drives me.”

Inspired by Ian Chubb, Australia’s chief scientist, who recently launched a position paper called “Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in the National Interest: A Strategic Approach”, Nicola says his concept fits exactly with what she is trying to do.

The position paper describes a need to strengthen education, new knowledge, innovation and influence – which are underpinned by the enabling sciences and mathematics, engineering and the technological sciences.

“For me, this is what it’s all about – educating and inspiring children in new ways, to prepare for the future,” she says.

Aimed at seven to 12-year-olds, Nicola says her show, which she will trial on YouTube, will use concepts the kids are being taught at school, but making them more engaging and fun.