Overview
To support increasing public participation in Queensland scientific research and STEM-based (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) engagement events and activities the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist is offering competitive Engaging Science Grants.
The grants are designed to assist teachers, scientists, organisations, citizen science groups and community groups deliver events and educational activities or conduct citizen science projects that tackle important issues in Queensland.
Grants of up to $20,000 each (excluding GST) are available to support applicants deliver events, activities or projects for up to 12-months.
For the 2024 round, projects that encourage citizen science participation by visitors and the community in research that contributes to conservation and/or threatened species recovery on the protected area estate under the Ecotourism Plan for Queensland’s Protected Areas 2023-2028 are strongly encouraged.
Objective
The Engaging Science Grants are offered to increase participation in science-based activities and engagement between scientists and the community.
Events and activities that inspire students to study STEM subjects, promote STEM careers, and engage the wider community to increase awareness of the amazing science happening in Queensland, as well as projects including citizen science that grow engagement with scientists may be submitted.
Eligibility
Applicants must be Queensland-based with an ABN and address one or more of the Engaging Queenslanders in Science Strategy 2021-24 goals:
- increase student participation in STEM subjects and promote STEM careers
- increase community participation in citizen science to grow scientific literacy and contribute to scientific discovery
- increase awareness of Queensland’s great science and grow opportunities for engagement with scientists.
The types of activities eligible for funding include, but are not limited to:
- events, activities or projects for students that involve teachers, parents and others
- open houses e.g. invite the local community to a conducted tour of your scientific premises
- events, seminars or workshops that connect scientists with community groups to promote Queensland scientists and science programs
- new citizen science projects or enhanced existing citizen science projects (refer eligibility criteria in the Guidelines)
- activities where participants use enhanced or new technology, or training resources that you have created.
Targeted ecotourism citizen science projects
If applying for an ecotourism targeted grant, projects must support regenerative tourism activities. As such, projects must meet the definition of ecotourism as the “environmentally responsible visiting of relatively unspoilt natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and any accompanying cultural features – both past and present), that promotes conservation, has low negative visitor impact, and provides for beneficially active socioeconomic involvement of local populations.”
The activity must also take place on a protected area in Queensland for the project to be eligible for an ecotourism grant.
Note:
- Targeted grants may require a Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service permit for research.
- Contact ecofacilities@des.qld.gov.au before you submit your application for an ‘in-principle agreement’ which must be submitted with your application form.
More information
To date, more than $2 million has been committed to support 189 Engaging Science Grants events and activities including citizen science projects. In addition, almost $1.2 million has been allocated to 43 longer term Queensland Citizen Science Grants projects. The 2021-2022 and 2023 rounds combined both grant programs under the Engaging Science Grants banner.
To learn more about the types of grant applications that have been successful in the past you can read about recipients’ projects:
The Queenslanders’ perceptions and attitudes to science 2021 survey, commissioned by the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist shows:
- 60% of Queenslanders are interested in science
- 83% believe science is critical for the Queensland economy
- 50% are interested in future Queensland science events
- 72% of parents would encourage their child to be involved in science-based activities outside of school
- 23% of Queenslanders have heard of citizen science, with 44% of those having participated in an activity (equating to 10% of Queenslanders).
While some of the survey results are encouraging, programs included in the Engaging Queenslanders in science strategy 2021-24 such as these Engaging Science Grants will help achieve the goals set out in the strategy.
Useful links
- Guidelines
- Frequently asked questions
- Terms and Conditions
- 2021 Queenslanders’ perceptions and attitudes to science research report
Hear more about the importance of STEM engagement from some of the grant recipients.
Further information
- Email: grantsadministration@des.qld.gov.au
- Phone: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
