Sports psychology, underground farms, astro-poetry: 2026 National Science Week preview
Get ready for the festival that reaches more than 3 million people via 2,500 events.
National Science Week returns from 15 to 23 August with stories for every round including entertainment, business, environment, food and wine, Indigenous media, the Arts, health, technology, farming and agriculture, lifestyle, education, and disability media.
Talk to us now for long-lead story ideas, event listings, and great talent across multiple topics. Email Tanya Ha via tanya@scienceinpublic.com.au.
Preview of this year’s program:
- A look at the hidden hydroponic indoor farm growing food right under Barangaroo, next to the Sydney Harbour.
- Brains and brawn: a virtual reality experience where the Toowoomba Clydesdales rugby players provide insights into sports psychology.
- ‘Cosmic Breath’ will bring science and art to older people in palliative care, women in prisons, and mainstream audiences around Tasmania.
- Nuclear camp: a science camp for deaf youth at Lucas Heights, home of Australia’s only nuclear reactor.
- Connecting Alice Springs and Chile through poetry, astronomy, and our shared view of the stars.
- What has Busselton taught us: a celebration of 60 years of Western Australia’s Busselton Health Study. A vintage caravan will help tell the story of over 20,000 participants who have helped solve many health mysteries, and of the latest work improving our understanding of chronic disease.
These are some of the 28 projects that received funding through the Australian Government’s $500,000 Inspiring Australia National Science Week grant pool. See the full list: www.scienceweek.net.au/national-grant-round-recipients-for-2026-announced.
