National Science Week Grant Recipients for 2026 Announced
We’re delighted to announce the successful recipients of the 2026 South Australia National Science Week Grants, supporting inspiring events that cover topics across science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) as part of National Science Week in August. Check out the full program of National Science Week events on the National Science Week website.
(Images courtesy of 2025 grant winners Adelaide Optics Chapter, Astronomical Society of South Australia, Cowell School Community Library, Australian Wine Research Institute, Marine Discovery Centre, and The Science Collective).
Grant Recipients
Secrets of the Seed: Exploring South Australian Plant & Seed Science
Applicant: Botanic Gardens of South Australia
A guided community science experience exploring plant conservation, seed science and biodiversity at the Adelaide Botanic Garden. Participants will go behind the scenes, engage in hands-on activities, and take-home native seedlings while building awareness of threatened species.
Culturally Tailored AI and Digital Health for African Communities
Applicant: Precision Digital Health and Adelaide University collaboration
An interactive event showcasing African Australian perspectives in AI and digital health. Through talks, panels, and activities, participants will explore inclusive technology, connect with mentors, and discover pathways into STEM.
Learning on Country: Sharing Narungga Knowledge
Applicant: Point Pearce Aboriginal Corporation
A two-day, intergenerational event on Narungga Country combining cultural knowledge and western science. Students and families will learn through ranger-led tours, cultural workshops, and hands-on experiences linked to school learning.
Indigenous STEM Satellite IoT Sensing in Regional SA
Applicant: STEMSEL Foundation
A hands-on program engaging Indigenous youth in satellite IoT and environmental sensing projects. Participants will design and build technology solutions, culminating in community showcases and displays at the Royal Adelaide Show.
Scientific Photography Competition 2026
Applicant: Adelaide Optics Chapter
A statewide photography competition inviting participants to capture and communicate science creatively. Entries will be exhibited publicly and online, encouraging science storytelling across all ages and experience levels.
Let Them Eat Science: A Baking Workshop
Applicant: The South Australian Country Women’s Association Inc.
A hands-on workshop exploring the chemistry of baking through interactive cooking experiences. Participants will learn how science applies to everyday life while developing practical skills and curiosity about STEM.
Switched On Indigenous STEM Inventors 2026
Applicant: STEMSEL Foundation
A large-scale innovation program engaging Indigenous youth in building and programming interactive STEM projects. Participants will showcase their inventions locally and at the Royal Adelaide Show, inspiring future pathways.
Science Alive HAVOC: Robot Combat as a Gateway to STEM
Applicant: Adelaide Robot Combat
A high-energy robotics activation at Science Alive, featuring live combat demonstrations and hands-on experiences. Audiences will learn about engineering and design through engaging, interactive displays.
Computer Science and AI Workshops
Applicant: Ardrossan Area School Community Library
A series of hands-on coding and robotics sessions for young people and families. Participants will create projects, learn about AI, and build confidence in STEM through collaborative, creative learning.
MIX Science Celebration
Applicant: Diverse Learning
An inclusive community science session designed for children with disability. Through hands-on activities and sensory experiences, participants will build confidence, curiosity, and a sense of belonging in STEM.
The Dating Game
Applicant: South Australian Museum
An interactive museum experience where participants use scientific methods to “date” objects from history and nature. This game-based activity brings collections to life through hands-on learning and exploration.
Naracoorte Rocks: The World Beneath Our Feet
Applicant: HeapsGood Productions
A three-day regional science festival at the Naracoorte Caves combining live performance, storytelling, and community events. Activities include a science podcast, live music, cave tours, and digital storytelling.
Kitchen Chaos: The Science Show
Applicant: Julie Schofield
A fun, interactive performance using cooking experiments to teach primary students scientific concepts. The show connects everyday experiences with STEM learning, encouraging curiosity and confidence.
A Night Under the Stars
Applicant: Astronomical Society of South Australia
A public stargazing event featuring telescope viewing, guided tours of the night sky, and astrophotography workshops. Participants will explore astronomy in an accessible and engaging environment.
West Torrens Library Science Week
Applicant: City of West Torrens
A series of mobile planetarium sessions offering immersive, guided tours of space. Participants will explore astronomy concepts through interactive, age-appropriate experiences.
Science in the Pub – Outback Tour
Applicant: Outback Communities Authority
A regional outreach program bringing researchers to remote communities for engaging science talks. The events connect communities with experts and explore topics relevant to local environments and wellbeing.
Real Fossil and Gemstone Dig
Applicant: Refreshing Memories
A hands-on excavation activity where participants uncover and identify real fossils or gemstones. The experience simulates scientific processes and allows participants to take home their discoveries.
Science at the Garden
Applicant: Port Augusta City Council
A free regional event featuring interactive science shows and wildlife encounters. Families will explore biology, chemistry, and conservation through engaging live demonstrations.
Koala Connections
Applicant: The Koala Sanctuary
A citizen science event on Kangaroo Island involving participants in real-world koala population monitoring. The project builds scientific literacy while contributing to long-term conservation research.
Robotics Roadtrip
Applicant: Futureneers Pty Ltd
A two-day robotics and coding program in Port Augusta combining structured workshops and open sessions. Participants will build and program technology while creating lasting community STEM resources.
Seeds of Science: Creatures, Critters & Curiosity!
Applicant: Victor Harbour Library
A mini science fair featuring hands-on animal encounters and interactive learning experiences. Participants will explore biodiversity, ecology, and conservation through engaging presentations.
