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 open

Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science

The PM Prizes for Science are Australia’s most prestigious awards for achievements in scientific research, research-based innovation and science teaching.
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.
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.
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.

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

Brenan Dew (acting)

Tasmania

Dr Tiana Pirtle

Victoria

Mike Flattley

Western Australia

Chloe Jensen

Latest news

Distinguished Professor Calum Drummond AO

Nominate a scientist or innovator for the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science

Distinguished Professor Calum Drummond AO shares his nomination tips for the PM Prizes. Get your nomination in by 17 December 2024.
Professor Britta Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg

Nominate an inspiring scientist or innovator for the 2025 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science

Show a scientist or research-based innovator how much you value their work. Nominations close 17 December.
Alice Leung in a classroom with students

Nominate a great science teacher for the 2025 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science

Show a science, technology, engineering or mathematics teacher how much you value their work. Nominations close 17 December.
Official photo of First Nations leaders with our Secretary, Chief Scientist, Prime Minister and Minister at Parliament House.

New PM’s Prizes category to celebrate Indigenous knowledge systems

The 2025 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science will feature a new prize to recognise achievements through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems.
decorative tile with sparkles promoting 2025 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science

Nominations open for the 2025 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science!

Do you know an inspiring scientist, research-based innovator, or science teacher? Nominate them for the 2025 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science!

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