National Science Week

National Science Week
Name	National Science Week
Genre	Public engagement festival
First	1997
Frequency	Annual
Country	Australia
Organiser	Australian Government

National Science Week National Science Week is an annual series of public events celebrating scientific research, innovation, and engagement across Australia, held each August. It brings together institutions such as the Australian Academy of Science, CSIRO, Australian Research Council, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, and state-based museums to present talks, exhibitions, and workshops. Major partners often include universities like the University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Australian National University, Monash University, and University of Queensland, alongside institutions such as Questacon, Museum Victoria, Powerhouse Museum, and State Library of New South Wales.

History

The initiative began in 1997 with support from the Australian Government and cultural institutions including the National Library of Australia, National Museum of Australia, and Australian Broadcasting Corporation to mark science engagement nationally. Early years featured contributions from organisations such as CSIRO, Australian Academy of Science, Australian Research Council, and Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, with programming developed by science centres like Questacon and Scienceworks. Over time the programme expanded through partnerships with universities—University of Adelaide, University of Western Australia, University of Technology Sydney—and museums including Australian National Maritime Museum and Australian Museum. National funding models evolved involving the Department of Industry, Department of Education, Skills and Employment, and state departments such as New South Wales Department of Education and Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions.

Objectives and Themes

Objectives include promoting STEM careers at institutions such as Engineers Australia, Royal Society of New South Wales, and Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and increasing public understanding via media partners like Australian Broadcasting Corporation, SBS, and ABC Radio National. Annual themes have been set in consultation with stakeholders such as CSIRO, Australian Research Council, Australian Academy of Science, and cooperative research centres like CRC for Low Carbon Living to focus on topics linked to climate change, health, space, and digital innovation. The programme aims to connect science communicators from Swinburne University of Technology, RMIT University, Curtin University, and University of New South Wales with community organisations like Rotary Australia, Scouts Australia, and local councils such as Brisbane City Council and City of Melbourne.

Organisation and Funding

Organisation is typically coordinated by a central body in collaboration with national bodies like the Australian Government Office for Science, Australian Academy of Science, and state agencies including Science and Technology Australia and Museums Victoria. Funding sources have included federal grants administered by the Department of Industry, philanthropic support from the Myer Foundation and Ian Potter Foundation, corporate sponsorship from firms such as BHP, Rio Tinto, Telstra, and Commonwealth Bank, and in-kind support from media organisations like Australian Broadcasting Corporation, The Conversation, and ABC TV. Delivery partners often include universities—University of Tasmania, La Trobe University, Deakin University—and research institutes like Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, and Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute.

Events and Activities

Events encompass public lectures featuring researchers from CSIRO, Australian Institute of Marine Science, and CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science; hands-on workshops run by science centres such as Questacon, Scienceworks, and Scitech; and exhibitions developed by institutions including Museum Victoria, Australian Museum, and Australian National Maritime Museum. Activities include citizen science projects coordinated with Atlas of Living Australia, Reef Life Survey, and eBird Australia, competitions administered by institutions like Australian Mathematical Society, Royal Australian Chemical Institute, and Australian Institute of Physics, plus school events linked to state education departments and initiatives from organisations such as Inspiring Australia and Science Meets Parliament. Special programs have partnered with space agencies and observatories like Australian Space Agency, CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science, Parkes Observatory, and Australian National University Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics.

Participation and Outreach

Participation spans universities (University of Sydney, University of Western Australia, University of Adelaide), research organisations (CSIRO, ANSTO), museums (Australian Museum, Powerhouse Museum), professional bodies (Engineers Australia, Australian Medical Association, Australian Psychological Society), and community groups (Rotary Australia, Scouts Australia, Indigenous community organisations). Outreach strategies include regional tours coordinated with state bodies such as Queensland Museum Network, Western Australian Museum, and Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, online engagement via partners like ABC Education, The Conversation, and Google Australia, plus targeted programs for First Nations communities developed with organisations like Reconciliation Australia and National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.

Impact and Evaluation

Impact assessments have been undertaken by research organisations including the Australian Academy of Science, Australian Research Council, and CSIRO, with evaluation metrics drawing on surveys used by universities (Monash University, University of Melbourne), peak bodies like Science and Technology Australia, and cultural institutions such as National Library of Australia. Reported outcomes include increased visitation to museums (Museum Victoria, Australian Museum), higher enrolment interest reported by tertiary institutions such as University of New South Wales and University of Queensland, and media coverage through outlets like Australian Broadcasting Corporation, The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian. Longitudinal studies by institutions including Griffith University, Curtin University, and University of Wollongong have examined effects on science literacy, workforce pathways, and public attitudes.

International and National Variants

Comparable programmes internationally include British Science Week coordinated by British Science Association, National Science and Technology Week in India supported by Department of Science and Technology, and USA-based initiatives such as National Science Festival and USA Science & Engineering Festival. Regional equivalents within Australia operate at state level through organisations like Museum Victoria, Queensland Museum Network, Western Australian Museum, and Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, while similar events are run by universities including University of Cambridge, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and University of Oxford in collaboration with local science centres such as the Science Museum London and Exploratorium. Cross-border collaborations have involved agencies and organisations such as UNESCO, OECD, European Commission, NASA, and European Space Agency.

Category:Science festivals in Australia