Inspiring SA Community Grant Recipients for 2026 Announced
We’re delighted to announce the successful recipients of the 2026 Community Science Grants, supporting inspiring projects across science engagement, reconciliation, and art and science. These initiatives will connect South Australians with STEM through creativity, culture, community participation and real‑world challenges, reaching people of all ages and backgrounds right across the state.
(Images courtesy of 2025 grant winners Sacred Resonance, Inventor Kids, City of Onkaparinga, Maitland Information Centre, MOD., and WISTEM)
Art and Science Grants
Birula Yuniman (River Spirit) Postcard Exchange
Applicant: Kat Bell and MOD.
A youth‑led project combining river science, Indigenous knowledge and digital technology to explore the Murray River’s ecology. Young people create augmented‑reality postcards that translate scientific ideas into creative storytelling. The project builds peer connections while empowering youth to advocate for river health.
Mary Anning Art Prize Workshops and Exhibition
Applicant: HeapsGood Productions
This project invites young people to explore South Australia’s fossil heritage through palaeo‑art workshops and a public exhibition. Participants learn how to think like palaeo‑artists, translating scientific evidence into visual stories. It celebrates creativity, science literacy and local prehistory.
Inspire STEM Gallery: Stories of South Australian Women in Science
Applicant: STEM Sisters
A portrait photography and storytelling exhibition showcasing the journeys of 15 South Australian women scientists. The project highlights diverse pathways into STEM and the real‑world impact of scientific work. It aims to inspire young people by making science human and relatable.
Spectroscopy Documentary Film
Applicant: Jacob Charvetto and Jackson Both
A free documentary exploring the science of colour through South Australian research, culture and everyday life. The film connects spectroscopy to fields such as medicine, wine, space science and art restoration. It makes complex science visually engaging and accessible to broad audiences.
Reconciliation Grants
Deadly Learning Circles – Culture, Country & Science
Applicant: Wara Yindi Support Services
A culturally led STEM program delivered in Whyalla and regional SA designed to celebrate, strengthen and share Aboriginal knowledge systems. Local community can explore science through storytelling and hands‑on activities focused on Country. The project creates a safe, inclusive space for intergenerational learning.
Arts and Environmental Activism Exchange
Applicant: Kat Bell
A series of facilitated sharing circles bringing together Indigenous knowledge holders, scientists, artists and activists. Arts practice and storytelling are used to explore river health and inspire environmental action. The project strengthens intercultural dialogue and collaborative care for rivers.
Caring for Country: Aboriginal Plant Knowledge and Conservation Science
Applicant: Royal Zoological Society of South Australia
Hands‑on workshops at Monarto Safari Park and the River Murray led by First Nations knowledge holders. Participants learn how Aboriginal ecological knowledge connects with modern conservation science. The project encourages environmental stewardship and STEM pathways linked to caring for Country.
All In 2026
Applicant: Mitcham Library Service
A series of family‑friendly events guided by Kaurna Elders and cultural practitioners. Activities such as astronomy, weaving and native plant learning highlight Indigenous knowledge systems as science. The program fosters shared learning, respect and reconciliation.
Country in Light: Nharangga Storytelling
Applicant: Nharangga Aboriginal Progress Association (NAPA)
Community projection events in Moonta share Nharangga stories across local buildings and public spaces. Participants develop digital mapping and storytelling skills alongside cultural learning. The project strengthens connection to Country through contemporary technology.
Science Engagement Grants
The Uplift and Rise Through Science!
Applicant: Yankalilla Area School
A hands‑on science discovery day for girls aged 7–12 with activities focused on practical experiments that touch on all aspects of STEM. Participants build confidence through practical STEM activities and mentorship in a supportive environment. The program encourages curiosity, teamwork and aspiration.
Nature Literacy: Discovering the Landscapes of the Murraylands and Riverlands
Applicant: Royal Zoological Society of South Australia
Workshops for newly arrived migrants and refugees exploring South Australian ecosystems. Delivered at Monarto Safari Park, the project builds confidence and environmental understanding. It supports inclusion, wellbeing and community science participation.
Constructing Mathematics with Communities
Applicant: The Mathematical Association of South Australia (MASA)
A statewide project showing how mathematics underpins construction, infrastructure and STEM careers. Free resources and workshops connect maths learning to real‑world applications. The project aims to reduce maths anxiety and increase long‑term engagement.
Seed the Future
Applicant: MOD.
A public interactive installation featuring a refurbished seed‑dispensing machine. Visitors engage with plant science and sustainable food systems through hands‑on action. The project encourages simple, practical environmental change.
AusSMC Podcast Pilot
Applicant: Australian Science Media Centre
A short‑form science communication podcast offering behind‑the‑news perspectives on research stories. Episodes unpack context and nuance often missing from headlines. The project builds science literacy and trust in science journalism.
Oceans in the Outback – Exploring Marine Worlds through Innovation
Applicant: Carl Charter
A virtual‑reality marine science program for regional and remote students. Participants explore South Australia’s underwater ecosystems through immersive storytelling. The project removes distance barriers and connects learners with marine STEM careers.
STEM for Good: Girls Leading Sustainable Futures
Applicant: City of Norwood, Payneham and St Peters
An 8‑week applied STEM program for girls aged 8–12 focused on local sustainability challenges. Participants develop problem‑solving, collaboration and leadership skills. The program concludes with a community showcase celebrating girls as STEM leaders.
STEM Explorers: Inclusive Science Learning for Regional Children & Young People with Disability
Applicant: Wara Yindi Support Services
A sensory‑inclusive STEM program delivered in Whyalla and regional SA. Hands‑on activities explore light, sound, nature science and simple robotics. The project reduces barriers and supports confident participation in STEM.
BioBlitzing to the Universe and Back
Applicant: Barossa Council
A free two‑day community program combining biodiversity surveys and astronomy. Participants work alongside scientists and Peramangk knowledge holders. The project connects citizen science with cultural storytelling and conservation.
Breaking Barriers – Delivering Quality STEM Courses in Under-Privileged Communities
Applicant: Futureneers Adelaide
An 8‑week robotics and coding program delivered in low‑socioeconomic South Australian communities. Using LEGO robotics, children develop problem‑solving and engineering skills. The project builds confidence and equitable access to STEM.
Community Bloom Count – Citizen Science Algae Monitoring
Applicant: Port Environment Centre
A community‑led project training volunteers to monitor harmful algal blooms in the Port River. Data contributes to the South Australian Algal Bloom Dashboard. The project strengthens citizen science capacity and environmental awareness.
Discovering Science Through Everyday Food Choices
Applicant: Nourish Nation Foundation
Interactive workshops exploring nutrition, food systems and health through science. Participants connect everyday food choices to biology and environmental science. The project empowers evidence‑based decision‑making.
The Skycare Pilot: Establishing the RMIDSR Sky Quality Network
Applicant: Mid Murray Landcare SA
A pilot project establishing automated night‑sky monitoring in the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve. Real‑time data will be publicly accessible. The project supports citizen science, dark‑sky conservation and astrotourism.
AgTech Immersion Day – Highcoorte Vineyard
Applicant: Naracoorte High School
A hands‑on STEM day showcasing modern agricultural science and technology. Participants explore drones, soil analysis and precision irrigation in a working vineyard. The project strengthens regional STEM pathways and industry connections.
Puppet-Making and Performance Exchange
Applicant: Kat Bell
An Indigenous arts and science residency bringing together Temuan and Murray River communities. Puppet‑making and parades explore river ecosystems and sustainability. The project builds cross‑cultural dialogue and public awareness.
Nature Explorers
Applicant: City of Tea Tree Gully
A free school‑holiday STEM program focused on native animals and insects. Delivered through wildlife sessions and creative activities, including Auslan‑interpreted events. The project encourages curiosity and conservation awareness.
Pint of Science Australia Festival (SA events)
Applicant: Pint of Science Australia
A public science festival held in relaxed settings such as local pubs. Researchers share engaging talks on their work with community audiences. The festival makes science social, accessible and conversation‑starting.
African Youth STEM Futures
Applicant: Flinders University
A culturally relevant STEM engagement program for young people from African backgrounds. Mentoring and hands‑on experiences connect participants with STEM professionals and pathways. The project supports inclusion and future STEM aspirations.
