Now is the time to put forward creative ideas, exciting events and innovative projects for National Science Week 2019.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews, has announced the Coalition Government is again offering National Science Week grants of between $2,000 and $20,000.

“I encourage individuals, community groups, universities, research institutions and other organisations interested in holding an activity during Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology to consider applying for a grant,” Minister Andrews said.

“A total of up to $500,000 in grants will be available for exhibitions, expos and workshops that make science accessible to everyone, get the community talking about science and showcase the contributions of Australian scientists.

“The Coalition Government recognises science, technology and innovation are key drivers of the Australian economy, helping to generate more local jobs and higher living standards.

In the 2018-19 Budget, the Coalition Government invested $2.4 billion in Australia’s research, science and technology capabilities, underscored by a $1.9 billion investment to update our National Research Infrastructure.”

In 2018, 45 projects were supported through National Science Week grants including:

• Science Spectacular, a festival of science that offered free, hands-on science, engineering and technology workshops and events at City of Gold Coast Libraries.
• Living Laboratory, an outdoor family and community event at the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney where participants could “see like a bee” with UV, dissect a flower, go on a wildlife walk, and ask experts about the secrets of seeds or the skills of scientific illustration.
• HealthLAB, a health education clinic on wheels that travelled from Darwin to the Tiwi Islands, across the Nhulunbuy and the East Arnhem Land community of Yirrkala. Participants assessed their own health in a ‘pop-up’ laboratory, learned about healthy lifestyle choices, and found out about careers in health science-related fields.
• Kids Navigate Neuroscience at the University of Adelaide, where children aged 6 to 11 explored hands-on how the brain and nervous system work.
• TastroFest, Tasmania’s Astronomy Festival in Ulverstone, which featured planetarium shows, telescope workshops, the latest Hubble images, live feeds from the international space station, droid building displays and 3D printing displays.
• Magnificent Microscopy: Life under a Lens, held in Melbourne, revealed how powerful microscopes help explore cancer cures, infectious diseases, how DNA works, neuroscience, genetically modified crops, and even climate change.
• The Innovators’ Tea Party, held in Perth, where students in years 10, 11 and 12 speed-networked with a range of women working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), inspirational role models who encouraged the students’ pursuit of STEM careers.

National Science Week runs in August each year and is one of Australia’s biggest festivals, with more than 1 million people participating in more than 2100 events across the nation in 2018.

Next year National Science Week 2019 will run from 10 to 18 August.

To find out more about National Science Week go to www.scienceweek.net.au

To apply for a National Science Week Grant go to www.business.gov.au/nswkg

Media contact: Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070