Science engagement

Inspiring Australia contributes to the Australian government’s vision to engage all Australians with science.

Inspiring Australia science engagement activities connect with people nationwide to:

build an awareness and appreciation of science
celebrate the excitement of science and scientific discovery
enhance the focus on capability and skills
improve science communication skills.

Supporting community science engagement

We administer grants and prizes to encourage community-wide participation in STEM. Our targeted science communication also supports activities that contribute to greater public engagement in science, including the Inspiring Australia Managers network.

Nominations currently closed

Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science

Australia’s most prestigious awards for outstanding achievements in scientific research, research-based innovation and excellence in science teaching.

Find out more about the prizes and past recipients

Read the nomination guidelines on business.gov.au

Grants currently closed

National Science Week

National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology. National Science Week Grants provides the opportunity for the community to run science engagement activities across the nation during the week.

Find out more on the National Science Week website

Find out about grants on business.gov.au

Currently closed

Maker Projects: Community STEM Engagement Grants

Maker Projects: Community STEM Engagement Grants supports collaborative initiatives that deliver interactive and hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-related activities to youth under 18 years of age.

Find out more on business.gov.au

Currently closed

Citizen Science Grants

Citizen Science Grants supports community participation in scientific research projects that have a national impact.

Find out more on business.gov.au

Currently closed

Sponsorship Grants for Student Science Engagement and International Competitions

Grants for organisations (such as schools and community groups) to sponsor Australian students to take part in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) engagement activities, events and competitions. Students must be aged under 18.

Find out more on business.gov.au

Building community science networks

We coordinate a national network of Inspiring Australia Managers to engage regional communities in science. There is an Inspiring Australia Manager with local expertise and connections in each state and territory.

They can help you identify local and regional needs and give up-to-date information about science engagement in your area.

The network seeks to:

achieve wider community engagement with sciences, including through major activities and events such as National Science Week
develop new engagement opportunities and activities
provide greater engagement opportunities for groups that are underrepresented in STEM
improve participant experiences with science engagement activities
create sustainable change.