Science projects to inspire Australians thanks to government grant

Australians will be able to take part in hands-on local science activities thanks to a $5 million grant from the Gillard government for Inspiring Australia projects across the country.

Minister for Science and Research Senator Chris Evans yesterday announced the 63 successful applicants for the Australian Government’s Unlocking Australia’s Potential grants.

“The projects are aimed at developing greater interest in science, especially for those who might have missed out on the opportunity to engage with science before,” Senator Evans said.

“We’re rolling out a diverse range of local projects set to inspire and engage Australians in science.

“People will have the chance to become part of nationwide research projects, such as helping to build up complete pictures of our marine life, whales' migration paths and the paths and landing places of meteors.

“These community-based science projects will build a more complete picture for our scientists and researchers and help the community feel part of science in the making.”

The grant recipients, including museums, universities and Indigenous organisations, will use their knowledge and skills to put science firmly on Australia’s agenda and inspire Australians to take up science at school and university.

One such recipient is the University of Newcastle’s long-running Science and Engineering Challenge, which aims to spark high-school students’ interest in science and engineering. Last year, the challenge attracted more than 22,000 students from 812 secondary schools in 54 locations across Australia.

Professor John O’Connor, head of the university’s School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, said the university was thrilled by news that the challenge would continue to inspire young minds.

“Australian Government funding for the Science and Engineering Challenge finished at the end of 2011. With bridging support from the university and sponsorship from Ausgrid, the challenge continued to run but its future was in question,” Professor O’Connor said.

“High schools across Australia have demonstrated enormous support for the challenge and news of the renewed funding will be welcomed greatly by thousands of students, teachers and parents.

“The grant will allow us to run the challenge as a modified program around Australia until at least 2014.”

Other projects announced include robotic workshops for future young engineers across rural Queensland, the development of a free Apple/Android app that will help people identify native creatures and a two-day camp for 30 young refugee migrants to inspire them to pursue science at school.

“The Gillard government recognises the importance of science to our economic prosperity and that is why we have maintained our record investment,” Senator Evans said.

“Science is central to driving innovation and lifting Australia’s productivity, competitiveness and wealth.”

The grants are part of the $21 million Inspiring Australia initiative. Fifty-two of the projects have a major regional focus.

For a complete list of successful projects, click here.