Deadline: September 29, 2025
The National Science Week Grants 2026 are now open for applications, inviting community-focused initiatives to provide wide participation in science engagement activities across Australia during National Science Week from 15 to 23 August 2026.
The grant opportunity focuses on inspiring wide community participation in STEM, providing an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of Australian scientists to the world of knowledge, encouraging an interest in science pursuits among the general public, encouraging younger people to become fascinated by the world they live in, and encouraging new and innovative ways of engaging with audiences.
The grants support projects that increase national and international interest in Australian science, improve critical engagement with key scientific issues by the public, and increase inspiration drawn from science and improve the value of science as perceived by the public.
National Science Week is Australia’s major national celebration of the sciences, offering the chance for broad community participation beyond a single group, through inclusive, accessible science activities and events.
The grants provide funding between $2,000 and $20,000 to support eligible grant activities conducted during National Science Week or in the surrounding weeks, including in-person events, online interactions, workshops, exhibitions, open days, debates, quizzes, and other innovative science communication formats that engage diverse communities.
Eligible applicants include individuals 18 years or older and organisations with an Australian Business Number, with joint applications accepted when a lead applicant is nominated.
Australian Government guidelines emphasize broad inclusion, encouraging participation from groups historically underrepresented in STEM such as First Nations peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, women and girls, people living in regional and remote areas, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those facing age-based discrimination.
The assessment of applications will consider the reach, impact, and benefits of the project to a wide audience, including engagement with underrepresented groups, as well as the applicant’s capacity, capability, and resources to deliver the project effectively.
Successful applicants will enter into a legally binding grant agreement and be required to report on project outcomes, expenditure, and milestones, aligned with compliance and evaluation measures overseen by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources.
For more information, visit Australian Government.
