Are you a researcher who enjoys getting hands-on with science communication? Interested in taking part in National Science Week 2026 but unsure how to dive in?
Get involved in our Meet a Scientist program and join a series of exciting community eventshappening during National Science Week from 15 – 23 August 2026.
What’s involved?
We’ll match you with a local community event that fits your availability.
You’ll receive access to a free online training session with practical tips for hands-on science communication.
Event logistics are all taken care of—just bring your enthusiasm and any props or materials you’d like to use.
Transport assistance may be available for some events if needed.
Why get involved?
We know young people are naturally curious about the world, but not all see science as something for them. While science teachers do a fantastic job sparking curiosity in the classroom, sometimes it takes just one memorable interaction with a real-life scientist to inspire a future in STEM.
Community events offer a unique space for this kind of personal engagement. Our Meet a Scientist program has been a huge success, with researchers fielding endless questions from children and families at markets, festivals and local libraries.
Each scientist is stationed at their own table, showcasing props, interactive materials or sensory items to spark curiosity and questions. Children might engage for a moment or stick around for much longer—there are no formal talks or slides.
This year, we’re also running an online training session. It will cover what sorts of props and materials work best, strategies for engaging young minds, and provide the chance to workshop your ideas with experienced facilitators.
Who can take part?
We welcome researchers from all science, engineering, health and medical fields—particularly PhD candidates and early career researchers.
The 2026 schools theme for National Science Week is Seeds of Science: nurturing science for all. While this theme is not required for community events, we’d love to hear from researchers working in this area.
Researchers from government, industry, and the not-for-profit sector are also warmly encouraged to apply.
Draft program 2026 – details tbc
Sunday 16 August 2026 Science in the Swamp, Centennial Park
Saturday 22 August 2026 Speed Meet a Scientist, Double Bay Library Sydney City Farm, Sydney Park, St Peters
Sunday 23 August 2026 Science in the Scrub, Western Sydney Parklands
Keep an eye out for the expression of interest and get involved in the 2026 National Science Week program.
Feature Image: Science in the Swamp at Centenntial Parklands 2025
Are you a researcher who enjoys getting hands-on with science communication? Interested in taking part in National Science Week 2026 but unsure how to dive in?
Get involved in our Meet a Scientist program and join a series of exciting community eventshappening during National Science Week from 15 – 23 August 2026.
What’s involved?
Why get involved?
We know young people are naturally curious about the world, but not all see science as something for them. While science teachers do a fantastic job sparking curiosity in the classroom, sometimes it takes just one memorable interaction with a real-life scientist to inspire a future in STEM.
Community events offer a unique space for this kind of personal engagement. Our Meet a Scientist program has been a huge success, with researchers fielding endless questions from children and families at markets, festivals and local libraries.
Each scientist is stationed at their own table, showcasing props, interactive materials or sensory items to spark curiosity and questions. Children might engage for a moment or stick around for much longer—there are no formal talks or slides.
This year, we’re also running an online training session. It will cover what sorts of props and materials work best, strategies for engaging young minds, and provide the chance to workshop your ideas with experienced facilitators.
Who can take part?
Draft program 2026 – details tbc
Sunday 16 August 2026
Science in the Swamp, Centennial Park
Saturday 22 August 2026
Speed Meet a Scientist, Double Bay Library
Sydney City Farm, Sydney Park, St Peters
Sunday 23 August 2026
Science in the Scrub, Western Sydney Parklands
Keep an eye out for the expression of interest and get involved in the 2026 National Science Week program.
Feature Image: Science in the Swamp at Centenntial Parklands 2025
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