Announcing the 2026 NSW National Science Week Grant Recipients!

We are thrilled to announce the successful recipients of the 2026 NSW National Science Week Community Grants. Our successful grant applicants have projects that plant the seeds of curiosity in every corner of the state; from the coastal waters of Port Macquarie to the red earth of the Mundi Mundi Plains.

There is something for eveyone this National Science Week across NSW, especailly for those who can’t make it to a physical site. SciFest 2026 is bringing science directly to your screens.

Find out more about the amazing programs on offer funded by Inspiing Australia NSW

Brilliant Brains and Bodies

• Host: City of Ryde Libraries
• Details: This program uses Virtual Reality (VR) and hands-on displays to explore human biology. One key feature includes a “Walking with Dinosaurs” VR experience to teach palaeontology and evolution, alongside workshops on how the human brain processes sensory information.

Celebration of Science at Singleton Library

• Host: Singleton Public Library
• Details: The program features high-impact workshops, including Starr’s Planetarium and the University of Newcastle’s SMART Program, alongside advanced robotics, coding, and 3D printing. By prioritizing participation for girls and strengthening partnerships, this initiative fosters a scientifically literate, equitable and future-ready community.

Creative Science for Kids Podcast

• Host: Creative Science Australia
• Details: A digital series hosted by Jenny Lynch and Matilda. Each episode features “fast facts,” an interview with a prominent Australian scientist (such as an astrophysicist or marine biologist), and a DIY experiment for kids to try at home.

Family Science Day

• Host: Mount Druitt Ethnic Community Agency (MECA)
• Details: Designed specifically for the diverse and multicultural communities of Western Sydney. This event features interactive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) workshops, career talks from local researchers, and exhibits aimed at showing how science is a universal language that empowers communities.

Far South Coast Koalas

• Host: Far South Coast Koala Action Network
• Details: Focused on the “citizen science” of conservation. The project teaches locals how to use mapping and monitoring tools to track koala populations, identifying local habitat areas and understanding the science behind threat reduction (disease and habitat loss).

Luminescence – Discovery of a Glowing World

• Host: Jervis Bay Maritime Museum
• Details: Explores the chemical reaction of bioluminescence (luciferin reacting with oxygen). This is an interactive theatrical experience where visitors learn about the “blue tide” caused by dinoflagellates in Jervis Bay and the science of light.

Mundi Mundi 2026 – Science = Like Magic

• Host: Western Landcare Inc.
• Details: Taking place against the iconic backdrop of the Mundi Mundi Plains near Broken Hill. This project uses the “magic” of the outback landscape to teach geology and environmental science, often coinciding with the famous Mundi Mundi Bash to reach thousands of visitors.

Ramp Up

• Host: Vanessa Bartlett
• Details: This creative initiative designed to engage disadvantaged youth in the St George area with ecology and bushcare through the lens of bike culture and street art.

Science Behind Saving Lives at Sea

• Host: Marine Rescue Port Macquarie
• Details: A hands-on open day at the boatshed. It covers the physics of buoyancy, the technology of thermal imaging used in night rescues, and the chemistry of marine flares and firefighting equipment.

SciFest 2026

• Host: Virtual Excursions Australia
• Details: An online learning festival that removes geographical barriers. It features a “speaker series” where students can interview scientists, investigate animals via live webcams, and explore DNA through virtual lab simulations.

Science in Oberon: More than You Imagine!

• Host: Oberon Citizen Science Network
• Details: Free STEAM event on Saturday, 15 August, highlighting the intersection of science and art, the afternoon will include expert talks from UNSW researchers on wildlife conservation and air quality, interleaved with local musical performances.

Seeds of Science: New England

• Host: University of New England (UNE)
• Details: Centered around the 2026 school theme, “Nurturing Knowledge for All.” This includes “Science @ the Markets” in Armidale, where researchers bring laboratory equipment to the public, and a “Seedy Trivia Night” that blends social fun with agricultural science.

STEM at Play: Family Workshops at NSW Playgroups

• Host: Little Scientists Australia
• Details: Little Scientists Australia will deliver STEM Family Workshops during National Science Week 2026 with Playgroups NSW across western and south-western Sydney. Led by expert trainers, the initiative aims to make inquiry-based learning accessible by embedding age-appropriate challenges into familiar playgroup settings to nurture problem-solving skills and early developmental growth.

Think Like a Mathematician!

• Host: UNSW School of Mathematics and Statistics
• Details: This project delivers workshops designed to immerse young people in the authentic process of mathematical discovery. The curated sessions include; “Peter’s Party Planning Problems,” “Counting Conundrums,” and “Contemplating Cameron’s Cake Cuts”. Each workshop has been designed to introduce a particular aspect of mathematical thinking and give a taste of the process of mathematical discovery.

Muswellbrook Future Foundries: Solar Speed & Circular Science

• Host: AiSTEM
• Details: Held at “The Melt” innovation hub, this project introduces youth to solar technology and advanced manufacturing. It focuses on the transition of the Hunter Valley from coal to renewable energy through hands-on engineering challenges.

These grants are just the beginning. Over the coming months, these organisations will be working hard to bring their visions to life. Whether you are a budding scientist, a curious parent or just someone who loves a good festival, there is something in the 2026 program for you.

Keep an eye on the official National Science Week website as we move closer to August to find event times and registration details!