Applications open for Community Science Engagement Projects (Australia)

The Community Science Engagement Program provides grants to support science communication and public engagement projects across South Australia. Funding of up to $3,500 for metropolitan Adelaide and $4,500 for regional or remote areas is available for events or activities that inspire public interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The program supports innovative initiatives that connect communities with science, promote diversity in STEM, and celebrate the contributions of Australian scientists.

What is the Community Science Engagement Program?

The Community Science Engagement Program is a grant initiative designed to support projects that make science accessible, exciting, and engaging for the public in South Australia.

The program encourages organisations and individuals to create innovative activities that help people connect with STEM fields. These projects aim to increase scientific awareness, spark curiosity, and inspire more people—especially young audiences—to explore science and technology.

By supporting community-focused science initiatives, the program contributes to building a scientifically informed and engaged society.

Program Objectives

The grant program supports initiatives that expand public engagement with science and technology.

Key objectives include:

• Providing opportunities for the public to learn about STEM topics

• Recognizing and celebrating Australian scientists and their achievements

• Encouraging interest in science careers and research

• Inspiring young people to explore science and the natural world

• Promoting creative and innovative science communication

• Increasing diversity and inclusion in STEM participation

These goals help ensure science engagement reaches a wide and diverse audience across South Australia.

Types of Projects Supported

The program supports a variety of science communication and public engagement initiatives.

Projects may include:

Public Science Events

Events designed to make science accessible and engaging for community audiences.

Examples include:

• Science festivals or public talks

• Interactive science demonstrations

• Community science fairs

STEM Workshops and Activities

Hands-on learning experiences that allow participants to explore scientific ideas in practical ways.

Examples include:

• Citizen science workshops

• STEM maker sessions

• Public science labs or demonstrations

Creative Science Communication

Projects that combine science with art, storytelling, or digital media to reach broader audiences.

Examples include:

• Science-themed art installations

• Science storytelling events

• Multimedia science exhibitions

Community Science Initiatives

Projects that involve communities directly in scientific exploration.

Examples include:

• Citizen science programs

• Environmental monitoring projects

• Community biodiversity surveys

Projects can be delivered either as a one-off event or a series of activities.

Funding Amount

The program provides small grants to support community-based science engagement initiatives.

Funding levels include:

• Up to $3,500 for projects in metropolitan Adelaide

• Up to $4,500 for projects in regional or remote South Australia

The higher funding level for regional areas helps encourage science engagement beyond major urban centers.

Organizations may apply for multiple grants for different projects, provided each project is distinct.

However, projects that have already applied to the 2026 Inspiring SA grant round are not eligible.

Who is Eligible?

The program is open to a wide range of individuals and organisations involved in science communication and public engagement.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include:

• Scientists and researchers from universities or industry

• University groups and student clubs

• Science communicators

• Event producers

• Artists and arts organisations

• Community organisations

• Cultural institutions

• Landcare groups

• Citizen science groups

• Local government entities such as libraries

• Schools (if the project targets the general public)

• Sole traders

This wide eligibility allows creative collaborations between scientists, educators, artists, and community organisations.

Key Eligibility Requirements

Projects must:

• Take place within South Australia

• Be designed for public engagement with STEM

• Encourage community participation and learning

• Promote inclusive and diverse science engagement

Projects should aim to reach broad audiences rather than narrow educational groups.

Projects That Are Not Eligible

Certain types of projects are not supported by the program.

Ineligible projects include:

• Projects that are part of National Science Week 2026

• Activities designed only for school students

• Projects taking place outside South Australia

These restrictions ensure the program focuses on community-wide science engagement.

Why This Program Matters

Public engagement with science is essential for innovation, education, and informed decision-making.

Inspiring Curiosity

Science engagement activities encourage people of all ages to explore the natural world and develop curiosity about scientific discoveries.

Supporting STEM Education and Careers

Exposure to science can inspire young people to pursue STEM education and careers.

Encouraging Community Participation in Science

Citizen science and public engagement initiatives allow communities to contribute to scientific understanding.

Promoting Diversity in STEM

The program supports inclusive activities that engage people from diverse backgrounds in science.

How to Apply

Applicants interested in funding should prepare a clear proposal outlining their project.

Step 1: Define the Science Engagement Idea

Identify a creative way to engage the public with STEM.

Examples include:

• Public science demonstrations

• Interactive workshops

• Science storytelling or exhibitions

Step 2: Identify the Target Audience

Determine who will benefit from the project, such as:

• Families

• Young people

• Community groups

• Regional communities

Step 3: Plan the Event or Activities

Describe how the project will be delivered.

Applicants should explain:

• Event format

• Activities planned

• Expected audience participation

Step 4: Prepare the Budget

Outline how the grant funding will be used.

Funding may support costs such as:

• Event materials

• Venue hire

• Equipment

• Communication and promotion

Step 5: Submit the Application

Applicants can submit their proposals through the program’s official application process.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can increase their chances of success by focusing on the following factors.

Be creative and engaging
Innovative science communication approaches are highly encouraged.

Target a broad audience
Projects should reach diverse members of the public rather than only students.

Encourage participation
Interactive activities often have greater community impact.

Promote diversity and inclusion
Consider how your project can reach underrepresented groups in STEM.

Highlight community benefits
Explain how the project will inspire curiosity and scientific understanding.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these issues when preparing your application.

• Designing projects that only target school students

• Submitting projects outside South Australia

• Applying with projects already submitted to the 2026 Inspiring SA grant round

• Providing vague activity plans without clear engagement strategies

Strong planning and clear public engagement goals are essential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Community Science Engagement Program?

It is a grant program that funds projects that engage the public with STEM through creative and educational activities across South Australia.

2. How much funding is available?

Projects can receive:

• Up to $3,500 for metropolitan Adelaide

• Up to $4,500 for regional and remote South Australia

3. Who can apply for the grant?

Eligible applicants include scientists, researchers, artists, community organisations, libraries, citizen science groups, universities, and sole traders.

4. Can schools apply for funding?

Yes, schools can apply if the project is designed for the general public, not only for students.

5. Are projects during National Science Week eligible?

No. Projects that are part of National Science Week 2026 are not eligible.

6. Can organisations apply for more than one project?

Yes. Organisations may apply for multiple grants for different projects.

7. What type of audience should projects target?

Projects should target the broader community, encouraging public participation in science and STEM learning.

Conclusion

The Community Science Engagement Program provides valuable funding for initiatives that inspire curiosity and public interest in STEM across South Australia. By supporting innovative science communication projects, the program encourages communities to explore scientific ideas, celebrate Australian researchers, and participate in meaningful science activities.

Through creative events, workshops, and community-based initiatives, the program helps build a stronger culture of science engagement while promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.