The National Science Week Public Event Grants 2027-30 grant opportunity aims to support initiatives that enable inclusive and broad-based engagement with science by the public.

The objectives of the grant opportunity are to:

• inspire wide public participation in STEM, including groups historically underrepresented in STEM (as defined in the Glossary)
• provide an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of Australian scientists to the world of knowledge
• encourage an interest in science pursuits among the general public
• encourage younger people to become fascinated by the world we live in
• encourage new and innovative ways of engaging with audiences.

The intended outcomes of the grant opportunity are:

• increased national and international interest in Australian science
• improved critical engagement with key scientific issues by the public
• increased inspiration drawn from science and improved value of science as perceived by the public
• increased participation from groups historically underrepresented in STEM.

Up to $500,000 is available each year for National Science Week Public Event Grants from 2027 to 2030.

• The minimum grant amount is $5,000 per application.
• The maximum grant amount is $20,000 per application.

The National Science Week 2027 funding round accepts applications for events run during National Science Week 2027.

You can apply if you:

• are an individual 18 years of age or older or;
• have an Australian business number (ABN).

You must complete your project four weeks following the end of the relevant National Science Week.

Your project must:

• be located in Australia
• directed towards a science-related activity that will be available to and cater to the wider public
• be conducted in Australia during the relevant National Science Week, or where appropriate, in the week before or after the relevant National Science Week
• address one or more of the following purposes:
  • draw the nation's attention towards the sciences
  • spark broad interest and engagement in the sciences
  • provide an opportunity for all Australians, including those historically underrepresented in the sciences, to participate in science events and activities
  • foster partnerships between the public, research organisations and industry
  • trial new and innovative science communication activities.
• be delivered in at least one of the following formats:
  • an in-person event involving physical attendance
  • an online event involving two-way audience participation or involvement.

National Science Week activities may involve school-aged participants, however, if an event is held at a school it must be open to the general public. We will consider your activity to be open to the general public where:

• the timing and location enables public attendance (e.g. outside school hours)
• it attracts people beyond students and parents/carers
• it is promoted to the broader community (not only through school channels)
• anyone can attend (e.g. through public registration or walk-ins).

Find the full eligibility criteria in the grant opportunity guidelines

• Phone: 13 28 46
• Email: enquiries@industry.gov.au
• Website: https://business.gov.au/contact-us