National Science Week 15 – 23 August, 2026
National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology. Running each year in August, it features more than 1000 events around Australia, including those delivered by universities, schools, research institutions, libraries, museums and science centres. These events attract a wide audience from children to adults and science amateurs to professionals. Over one million people participate in science events across the nation. The link below will take you to the national website, and you can find events near you and/or register your event (private or public) so that your audience can find you! The website also has lots of useful resources to make your event or activity a success.
School Theme: Seeds of Science: nurturing science for all.
The school theme for National Science Week in 2026 is Seeds of Science: nurturing science for all.
This theme invites students across Australia to explore the power of curiosity, inquiry and shared learning in growing scientific understanding. Just as seeds need the right conditions to grow, knowledge flourishes when it is nurtured, shared and applied to real-world and authentic challenges across all the scientific disciplines.
The theme encourages schools to explore how ideas take root, develop and spread – from the first spark of a question to the sharing of discoveries that benefit the wider community. It’s a celebration of how knowledge grows when tended with care, creativity and collaboration.
While it aligns with the United Nations International Year of Woman Farmers and the year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, it’s about more than just agriculture. There are opportunities to explore seeds in all their forms… from seeding pearls, to growing crystals.
Free 2026 teacher’s resource book COMING SOON!
Free 2025 teacher’s resource book LIVE NOW! Download the resource book and student journal
Do you have an idea for a National Science Week event or activity? Seed grant funding is available, from $500 to $4000. Please read the application guidelines below and then complete the Expression of Interest Form. EOIs close Friday 31st March 2026.
Not sure if you are eligible? Please email the team at inspiringqld@uq.edu.au.
Online information session EOI application Tuesday 10th March 2026 (registration required).
Inspiring Australia Queensland has a number of free online resources to assist you create the perfect event:
- See our page on STEM activity resources for great projects
- Inspiring Australia teamed up with specialists in online education Virtual Excursions Australia to deliver a bespoke program to support those who deliver online science engagement programs targeting the general community.
- Citizen Science in the Classroom has been developed for teachers, however has many useful links for anyone wanting to get involved in science.
