Science engagement

We engage people nationwide to build awareness and develop capability and skills in science through our Inspiring Australia initiative.

Inspiring Australia

The Inspiring Australia initiative 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.
Inspiring Australia logo with 4 coloured boxes overlapping each other

Supporting community science engagement

Our department administers grants and prizes to encourage community-wide participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). 

Nominations closed

Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science

Australia’s most prestigious awards for achievements in scientific research, research-based innovation, the practice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems, and excellence in science teaching.
Find out more about the prizes and past recipients
Nominate an outstanding scientist or innovator on business.gov.au
Nominate an inspiring science educator 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 provide 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
Apply for grants on business.gov.au
Read about National Science Week
Grants 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
Grants 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.

Contact Inspiring Australia Managers

Inspiring Australia Network National Office

Australian Capital Territory

Jillian Matthews

New South Wales

Meredith Hall and Karen Player

Northern Territory

Gargee Lad

Queensland

Dr Anita Milroy

South Australia

Alison Kershaw

Tasmania

Dr Tiana Pirtle

Victoria

Emma Coath (interim manager)

Western Australia

Chloe Jensen

Latest news

More news
National Science Week 2025

Prehistoric rock, Indigenous storytelling and oceanography activities feature at National Science Week 2025

Australia’s biggest annual celebration of science takes place from 9-17 August. We’re funding 31 community science events with $515,000 in grants.
Four people speaking at a conference.

Celebrating 25 years of Science Meets Parliament

Australia’s most important event connecting STEM experts, policymakers and federal parliamentarians took place in Canberra on 12-13 February.
Prime Minister’s Prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems

Nominations are open for the PM’s Prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems!

The new prize recognises the contributions of Australian Indigenous knowledge systems to science, our nation and humanity. Applications close 20 March 2025.
Girls doing STEM activities

Almost $2 million for hands-on STEM experiences for young Australians

Robotics, virtual reality and cybersecurity feature among 26 projects funded by Maker Projects - Community STEM Engagement grants.
Krystal De Napoli

Meet our new STEM superstars

Science and Technology Australia (STA) announce 60 amazing women and non-binary people to be the latest Superstars of STEM.

More information

Learn about our diversity in STEM programs and initiatives
Inspiring Australia's national strategy for engagement with the sciences (February 2010)
Inspiring Australia's framework of principles for science communication initiatives (November 2010)
Inspiring Australia's expert working group reports (August 2013)
Inspiring industry to inspire Australia – business and science outreach report (June 2013)
Inspiring Australia's evaluation resources (September 2013)

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