Science films; engineering experiences; painting the Universe
28 grants were awarded by the Australian Government through the Inspiring Australia program for events for National Science Week 2026. The following events and activities will be held in multiple locations around Australia.
SCINEMA International Science Film Festival
Grant recipient: Cris Kennedy
SCINEMA International Film Festival 2026 will bring a showcase of science features, shorts, documentaries, animated and experimental films from filmmakers around the world to city screens, community libraries and town halls throughout Australia.
For the past 25 years, the goal of SCINEMA has been to captivate Australians with the wonder of science through the medium of film. Early in the year, established and budding filmmakers submit their films for consideration for the prestigious international competition or the student film competition.
A selection of entries and winners will then be curated into a free nation-wide Community Screening Program for National Science Week where schools, councils and community groups anywhere—from a school gym in Geraldton to a library in Lismore—can take part. They will receive online access to curated SCINEMA films, study notes and activities, with the flexibility to run their own screenings, panels or competitions.
Physics Fun & Games – Creative Brains & Teamwork Solve Problems!
Grant recipient: The Institution of Engineers Australia
Thousands of students and community members across 10 venues around the country will get first-hand engineering experience, exploring how hydraulic arms make a little bit of effort go a long way.
The Hydraulic Arm STEM Challenge will introduce participants to Pascal’s principle and fluid power, demonstrating how simple machines create mechanical advantage for precise, controlled movement. This hands-on activity highlights real-world applications of science in engineering, from ancient tools to space technology, to inspire future engineers.
Participants will work with professional and student engineer facilitators in small groups to solve increasingly complex challenges, working with their hydraulic arm to move and stack objects and deconstruct a challenging puzzle box.
Breaking Barriers: Digital Expansion of the Marie Curie Lecture Tour
Grant recipient: Australian Institute of Physics
Meet astrophysicist and wave hunter Dr Karelle Siellez. She specialises in the study of explosive cosmic events– the kind of cosmic phenomena that produce the Universe’s gold. She will tour Australia as the 2026 Women in Physics Lecturer, presenting the lecture: ‘Painting the Universe: A Visual and Musical Exploration of Space-Time’.
The Marie Curie Lectures have been showcasing outstanding women in physics since 1997 and now the national tour is set to reach even bigger audiences through digital delivery.
Designed to inspire future physicists and engage the public with Australian science, the physical tour will span nine cities and regional centres, led by award-winning researchers who are also gifted communicators. The new digital program, with livestreamed and recorded events, will ensure students and audiences in regional and remote areas can engage with leading physicists and science communicators.
