Space farming, dark matter, Indigenous Knowledge systems, eco-criminology and dinosaur-loving rock bands… the 2025 National Science Week grants reflect the diversity of Australian science, and the myriad of ways it touches all our lives.
Whether participants are looking to build skills, reflect and wonder, debate, or laugh, these events will inspire all Australians to celebrate and engage with science.
Thirty-one grants were awarded by the Australian Government, spanning every state and territory (view all here). Just some of these events include:
- The science behind saving lives at sea: from the chemistry of distress flares to physics of personal floatation devices, and whale rescue drills in New South Wales.
- Space farming: future food scientists will enlist the public’s help to grow and harvest crops in extreme environments and contribute recipes to a ‘Space Food cookbook’ in Victoria.
- Dark matter on the move: to celebrate the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, dark matter hunters and quantum experts will tour regional and remote communities across Western Australia, South Australia and New South Wales.
- A science camp for deaf youth on the site of Australia’s only nuclear research reactor in New South Wales.
- How-to guides to use cutting-edge technology to monitor threatened species including koalas and glossy black cockatoos in Queensland.
- A dinosaur-loving supergroup touring a musical show across South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
- A school boat building challenge using recycled and found materials in Western Australia.
National Science Week is Australia’s annual opportunity to meet scientists, discuss the hot topics, do science and celebrate its cultural and economic impact on society. First held in 1997, it has become one of Australia’s largest festivals. Last year about 3.4 million people participated in 1,983 events and activities.
National Science Week 2025 runs from 9-17 August. Visit www.scienceweek.net.au for all the latest news.
Media contacts: Shelley Thomas, shelley@scienceinpublic.com.au or 0416 377 444; or Tanya Ha, tanya@scienceinpublic.com.au or 0404 083 863.