A Dark Matter Road trip, sharing First Nations science and drone coding are just some of the projects receiving a share of close to $500,000 in grants to support National Science Week.

With Australia’s national celebration of science and technology just around the corner, thirty-two grant recipients are gearing up to deliver a diverse range of events right across the country.

The National Science Week Grants provide funding of between $2,000 and $20,000 to support individuals and organisations to deliver community science events.

Many of the projects funded this year will support diversity and inclusion in science, with several grants supporting events featuring First Nations science and scientists, and a range of activities in remote and regional communities.

Among the grant recipients are:

• University of Melbourne will present The National Quantum and Dark Matter Road Trip, an interactive travelling science and art show bringing quantum physics, mysterious dark matter particle physics, and creative expression to capital cities, regional and remote areas.
• Macquarie University’s (NSW) Indigenous Science Experience @ Redfern will showcase the significance of scientific knowledge held by Indigenous Australians.
• Two of Australia’s oldest science institutions, the Australian Museum and the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan, will come together to present the Sydney Science Trail Community Days, bringing science alive in meaningful and accessible ways through hands-on activities, talks, shows and a STEM Expo. 
• Monash University will host stage two multisensory science exhibitions for primary and secondary students with low vision, blindness, and diverse needs. 
• Mount Burnett Observatory (Victoria) volunteers will take over a football oval to present Footy Oval Astronomy, a free event for the local community and emergency services volunteers.
• The MicroToons (WA) microbiology animation project showcase will empower people with autism and their peers to engage in science, technology and art.
• Charles Darwin University (NT) will host drone coding and programming workshops in Katherine and Darwin with young Australians from top-end, remote communities.

National Science Week 2023 runs from 12 to 20 August and will feature a combination of online and in-person events across Australia.

The 2023 school theme for National Science Week is ‘Innovation: Powering Future Industries’. The theme is based on the advancement of technology in all industries, especially using artificial intelligence.

The full list of 2023 National Science Week Grant recipients is available at www.scienceweek.net.au/national-grant-round-recipients-for-2023/ 

Quotes attributable to the Hon Ed Husic, Minister for Industry and Science:

“National Science Week is one of my favourite events of the year, an opportunity to celebrate the staggering amount of great science happening all over Australia.

“Last year 1.9 million Australians - the highest number ever - joined in National Science Week celebrations around the country.

“These grants play an important role in inspiring young Australians to pursue a STEM career.

“This year’s celebrations will help promote diversity and inclusion in Australian science and technology, with exciting and engaging events planned in a number of regional and remote communities.

“Indigenous Australians are our first scientists, and they bring tens of thousands of years of expertise. I am so pleased to see many of this year’s grants supporting events involving First Nations scientists.

“Over the coming months, I encourage you to keep an eye out for more information on National Science Week celebrations in your community.”