Inspiring Australia Queensland is a part of a national strategy and is working now to meet the challenges of our future.
Founded in 2010, we are a vital link in Australia’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) ecosystem, a crucial pillar in the national Inspiring Australia strategy to improve the communication, appreciation and understanding of scientific knowledge in Australia.
We build connections between scientists, organisations, businesses and students to foster engagement and participation in science and play a unique role in meeting the increased demand for STEM skills.
We celebrate science, through innovative programs such as National Science Week and encourage all Queenslanders – regardless of interests, abilities, and backgrounds – to engage with science by making it accessible, approachable, and fun!
The initiative is part of the Australian Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda
Inspiring Australia Queensland runs a number of local programs that contribute to the overall Inspiring Australia strategy such as National Science Week, Regional STEM Hubs, and Targeted Science Engagement events and activities.
The Inspiring Australia program in Queensland is currently hosted by The University of Queensland (2023) and funding is allocated with approval by the Inspiring Australia Queensland Reference Group, which meet quarterly.
Organisations currently represented on the Reference Group are:
The Commonwealth Department of Industry Innovation and Science
The Queensland Museum Network
The Department of Environment and Science
The Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist
The Queensland Department of Education
The Science Teachers Association of Queensland
The University of Queensland
Grant administration, major events, and general promotion for National Science Week across Queensland is overseen by a volunteer committee. Anyone is welcome to join this committee if you are interested, please complete this short Expression of Interest Form.
You can also read the Terms of Reference for the Committee.
Meetings are held monthly from approximately February to September. Current Committee Members include the Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation, CSIRO, Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist, Department of Education and Training, University of Queensland.