Top Online Events for National Science Week 2026

National Science Week runs from 15–23 August 2026, bringing thousands of hands-on, mind-expanding events across Australia. But you don’t need to be near a major city to take part.

Online learning and virtual events are front and center. Whether you are a teacher looking to stream a live scientist into your classroom, a family hunting for lunchtime trivia, or a student exploring future career pathways, here is your ultimate guide to the standout digital programs happening nationwide.

Careers in STEM Spotlight

Looking to inspire the next generation of innovators, conservationists, and agricultural experts? National Science Week 2026 features dedicated career sessions highlighting diverse STEM pathways:

• Conservation Science Careers Webinar 2026: Connect with wildlife managers, marine biologists, and environmental researchers to explore real-world career paths protecting biodiversity.
• Careers with STEM: Agricultural Careers: A deep dive into how technology, robotics, genetic research, and big data are transforming modern agriculture and sustainable farming futures. Wednesday 5 August 12pm AEST.
• Careers in STEM – From the Podium to the Lab: Part of Virtual Excursions Australia’s SciFest 2026 program daily schedule. Join an extraordinary panel of Olympians who are just as passionate about STEM as they are about their sport. Hear about their career journeys and have your question answered live. Wednesday 19 August at 2pm AEST.

Interactive Classroom Incursions & Hands-On Challenges

Bring live research and design thinking straight into your learning space with these high-energy digital incursions:

• Governor-General’s Design Challenge 2026: A nationwide STEM design task encouraging students to apply creative problem-solving, engineering principles, and teamwork to tackle a grand challenge. Monday 17 August 11:50am AEST.

• Curiosity Unleashed: An engaging series of interactive virtual tours and workshops bringing museum specimens, laboratory equipment, and expert educators straight to your screen. Monday 17 – Friday 21 at 9am AWST.
• Meet an Entomologist: Give students the opportunity to interview leading STEM researchers, ask burning questions, and see how theoretical science turns into real-world discovery. Thursday 20 August at 10am & 11.15am AEST

First Nations Knowledge & Archaeology

Celebrate over 65,000 years of Indigenous scientific innovation and deep history:

• Showcasing First Nations and Aboriginal Knowledge in Science Education: A dedicated professional development and public session exploring how Indigenous agricultural practices, ecological wisdom, and traditional technologies enrich modern STEM learning. Wednesday 19 August 4pm AEST
• Advanced Analysis of Stone Tools Tells Ancient Stories: Explore cutting-edge archaeological techniques—from residue micro-analysis to 3D surface scanning—revealing how ancient artifact analysis unlocks human history. Monday 17 August 2pm AEST.
• Science of Seeds, Stories of Country, Food for the Future Webinar: Interactive virtual sessions run by DeadlyScience focusing on native plant ecology, seed science, and First Nations engineering innovations. panellists will yarn about harvesting and processing native seeds and grains, the nutritional value of native foods, and the ongoing importance of food sovereignty, sustainable agriculture and caring for Country. Tuesady 18 August 11am AEST

Deep Sea Exploration & Astrophysics

Take a virtual voyage from the depths of the ocean to the edges of the universe:

• Science at Sea: Join the RV Investigator on the Great Barrier Reef: Step aboard Australia’s state-of-the-art marine research vessel via live stream. Watch oceanographers and marine scientists map sea floors and study reef ecosystems in real time. Monday 17 August at 10:30am for primary schools, Tuesday 18 August, 10:30am for secondary schools and Tuesday 18 August 5:30pm AEST

• AIP Marie Curie Lecture: Painting the Universe: Featuring astrophysicist Dr. Karelle Siellez. This session explores the story of gravitational waves and the cosmic collisions that create the elements we are made of through a weaving together of sound, art and astrophysics. Monday 17 at 5.30pm, Friday 21 & Wednesday 26 August at 6pm AEST. Monday 24 August at 6pm & schools session Tuesday 25 August at 10am ACST.
• Coral Reefs Webinars: Join Questacon’s interactive online sessions to discover the secrets of coral reef ecosystems, marine biodiversity, and how scientists work to protect underwater worlds. Wednesday 19 & Friday 21 at 9.20am & 11.30am AEST
• Deep Blue Oceans: Dive into the science of the sea with this show all about the deep blue! Join Fizzics Education in exploring what our ocean is like, how living things have adapted to it, and the threat that it’s under. Thursday 20 August at 2pm AEST
• Q&A with Reef Authority’s Chief Scientist: Connect directly with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s Chief Scientist to explore reef health, marine conservation, and critical ocean science. Friday 21 August at 2pm AEST.

Daily Festival Fun with SciFest 2026

Organised by Virtual Excursions Australia, SciFest brings a structured daily schedule to keep minds active all week:

• 11:00 AM – Science Storytime: Authors read science-themed books with live Q&A for younger learners and libraries.
• 1:00 PM – Lunchtime Trivia: Test your STEM facts in 30-minute themed trivia rounds across classrooms, offices, or home networks.
• 2:00 PM – Live Science Shows: Daily interactive physics, chemistry, and environmental demonstrations.

Tips for Getting Involved

1. Register Early: Popular streams like the RV Investigator live tours and Meet the Expert incursions require advance booking to secure joining links.
2. Download Class Resources: Many sessions offer downloadable lesson plans and student worksheets ahead of National Science Week.
3. Test Your Setup: Check your audio and video capabilities early so students can ask questions live during sessions.