Inspiring Australia has established a network of NSW Regional Science Hubs comprising multidisciplinary teams to develop and deliver high-profile science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) events in regional NSW.
With links to multiple communities, NSW Regional Science Hubs are changing public perceptions about science and technology. They deliver year-round events and activities that promote the value of STEM in local communities in partnership with business, local government and the environment, arts and cultural sectors, closing the gap between science and society.
Through creating community engagement experiences that are relevant, thought-provoking and often entertaining, Regional Science Hubs promote positive attitudes towards STEM and increase the confidence and skills of parents, teachers and young people to engage with scientific issues.
National Science Week is just one of many STEM initiatives NSW Regional Science Hubs deliver, as well as programs designed to engage 18-35 year olds.
The Year-Round funding for Regional Science Hubs grants program supports initiatives developed by new and existing Science Hubs.
Join the network!
Inspiring Australia would like to establish more of these strategic partnerships across the state and welcomes interest from science, technology and innovation experts, professional organisations, businesses, educational institutions and community groups. We welcome applications from new groups.
Applications are now open for 2026.
Steps
- Read the Guidelines and Application form below
- Contact Meredith Hall, Manager Inspiring NSW by email to arrange a time to discuss your application
- Submit your application
Successful applications will be decided by Inspiring NSW Executive Committee, with consideration of availability of funds for the program.
Your application will be evaluated against eligibility and selection criteria, and you will be notified of the outcome 30 days after your application is received.
Applications can be received up until 31 July 2026 or when grant funding is fully expended for the 2026 round.
SCIENCE HUBS CURRENTLY ACTIVE
Blue Mountains Science Hub
Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre, Springwood Neighbourhood Centres, Hamish Clarke scientist, Kevin Joseph teacher, Springwood Bowling Club, Science at the Local, Penrith City Library.
Lead organisation: Science at the Local
Contact: Hamish Clark
Website
Facebook page
Central West Science Hub
The CORRIDOR project, Age of Fishes Museum, Cabonne Council, Cowra Council, Orange Council, Department of Primary Industries – Plant and Mycology department Orange, Office of Environment and Heritage, Cowra NRM, local STEM professionals, businesses, artists and schools.
Lead organisation: The Corridor Project
Contact: Phoebe Cowdery
Website
Facebook page
Instagram
Hunter Innovation and Science Hub
University of Newcastle, Newcastle Museum, University of Newcastle, Engineers Australia (Northern Division, Hunter Branch), Lake Macquarie City Council, Hunter Wise, Engineers Australia, InnovAAte Pty Ltd, Sleap Business Consultants, STREAM -Community for Knowledge Exchange, CLEANaS, Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Hunter Valley Electric Vehicle Festival, Maitland Regional Museum, Newy with Kids, Pi in the Sci, School of Earth, CORETHICS, Science in Public, GVS Reliability Products.
Lead organisation: Hunter Innovation and Science Hub
Contact: Tim Roberts
Facebook page
Upper Mountains Science Hub
Lead organisation: Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute
Contact: Joel Dalberger, CEO
Facebook page
Website
Past Science Hubs and those reviewing programs in 2026.
Paterson Allyn Williams Science & Ideas Hub
Tabbil Forest Design, Dungog Community College, Williams River Catchment Landcare Group, Dungog Shire Community Centre
Lead organisation: Dungog Community College
Contact: Jane Richens
Facebook page
Website
Sapphire Coast Science Hub
Atlas of Life in the Coastal Wilderness, Sapphire Coast Marine Society, Bournda Environmental Education Centre, Panboola Wetlands Trust, Australian Plants Society, Conservation Management Network, Coastal Wetlands Carers Network and Mat-Sci-Tec.
Lead organisations: Bournda Environment Education Centre & Atlas of Life in the Coastal Wilderness
Facebook page
Lithgow Valley Regional Science Hub
STEAMworks, Foundations Portland, The Portland Foundry, Lithgow Oberon Landcare Group, Dark Skies Downunder, Amelie Ecology, Central West Media
Lead Organisation: STEAMworks
Facebook page
Northern Rivers Science Hub
Richmond Landcare, Lismore City Council, Society for Ecological Restoration, Southern Cross University, Big Scrub Rainforest Conservancy, Wilson River Landcare, Wardell Core.
Lead organisation: Richmond Landcare
Contact: Landcare Support
Facebook page
Coffs Coast Science Hub
Bellingen Community Arts Council, Bellingen Shire Electricity Alliance, OzGREEN Global, Rivers Education Network, Bellingen Chamber of Commerce, Cascade Environmental Education Centre, Centre for Ecological Learning Inc, Uniting Earth Ministry, Coffs Harbour City Council and Tallowwood Sangha.
Lead organisation: OzGREEN
Illawarra Science Hub
Wollongong Science Centre and Planetarium, Illawarra Astronomical Society, Eaton Gorge Theatre Company , Wollongong Botanical Garden and University of Wollongong’s ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science.
Lead organisation: UOW Science Space
Facebook page
Riverina Science Hub
Wagga Wagga City Library, Charles Sturt University, Eastern Riverina Science Teachers Association, Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, National Indigenous Science Education Program, Department of Primary Industries and Rotary
Lead organisation: Wagga Wagga City Library
Facebook page
Shoalhaven Science Hub
Bundanon Trust, University of Wollongong, South East Local Land Services, Landcare Australia, Greening Australia, Bomaderry High School, Nowra High School and St Michael’s Primary School
Lead organisation: Bundanon Trust
Webpage
Southern Tablelands Science Hub
Southern Tablelands Arts, Southern Tablelands Arts, Workspace 2580, Community Plus, Wollondilly Shire Council, Goulburn Mulwaree Council, Goulburn Chamber of Commerce
Lead organisation: Southern Tablelands Arts
New England North West Science Hub
The Armidale Tree Group, Southern New England Land Care, the Catalyst Club, ICT International, University of New England, New England Regional Art Museum, Department of Education and Training,Woolbrook, Niangala and Yarrowitch Public Schools, Landcare, Uralla Shire Council, Armidale Sustainable Living Expo Group, University of New England, The Armidale Club
Lead organisations: University of New England and the Armidale Tree Group
Facebook page
Murray Science Hub
Murray Arts, Albury Wodonga Community College, Indigenous elders, Astronomical Society of Albury-Wodonga, AlburyCity, Rotary Club of Albury Hume, University of the Third Age, local schools, Albury Art Gallery, Astronomical Society Albury-Wodonga, Albury Sound and Lighting, The Cube
Lead organisation: Murray Arts
Facebook page
Mid North Coast Science Hub
Charles Sturt University, Port Macquarie Hastings Council, Mid North Coast Schools Industry STEM Partnerships program.
Lead organisation: under negotiation
Nepean Science Hub
Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, University of Western Sydney, Penrith Regional Gallery, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith City Council and Celestino.
Lead organisation: under negotiation
Eastern Sydney Science Hub
The Australian Botanic Garden and Centennial Parklands, Randwick Council, Sydney Observatory, University of New South Wales
Lead organisation: Centennial Parklands
Northern Sydney Science Hub
CSIRO, Willoughby City Council Library, Macquarie University, t, the National Measurement Institute, The Australian Astronomical Observatory, the Northern Beaches Council, , Ku Ring Gai Council, Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Ku Ring Gai Council Library Network, Ryde Council and Chamber of Commerce and Mosaic Multicultural Centre.
Lead organisation: CSIRO
Website
Facebook page