Programs

A key goal of the Inspiring Victoria initiative is to foster and support local people and organisations keen on convening their communities around the excitement of discovery, the attainment of scientific literacy and opportunities for the application of new knowledge to local challenges. We seek to establish Science and Innovation Hubs to provide a place for STEM engagement and literacy initiatives in regional and outer suburban population centres in particular.

The Victorian Tech Schools initiative are partners in the initiative and several of these ten educational hubs are extending their function beyond secondary schooling to provide a focal point for community STEM engagement and education.

Further, Public Libraries Victoria are lead partners in the Inspiring Victoria initiative, providing a network of 260 grass-roots knowledge hubs to host activities, programs and talks for the science-curious and locals seeking to put solid knowledge to good use for their communities.

The initiative has a goal of building adaptable, innovative communities through lifelong learning and cultural events concerned with science literacy, and participation in youth development initiatives such as science clubs and career-focused seminars from industries, training institutions and professional associations.

Several grant programs are made available to our participating organisations, either year-round with the Partnership Network Grants, or during National Science Week for schools, communities and public libraries. Larger grants are provided to Hubs to convene, organise and deliver special programs for their communities, particularly during National Science Week.

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Lifelong learning provides opportunities for people of all ages to continue, develop and share interests in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Associated activities enable formal and informal learning throughout people’s lives, providing continuous improvement of the knowledge and skills required for jobs, interests and wellness.

You can join seminars and other events listed in our activities and events calendar or organise your own community activity to engage in science. To access resources, consider working with the public libraries and Tech Schools who can access grants under the Partnership Network program.

Community events

If you have organised or know of an event that celebrates science, list it on the RSV website by sending the following information to:

• Event name
• Date and time
• Location
• Ticket cost and booking URL
• Event description and website
• Your name, email and phone number

If possible, you should also supply a photo or image at least 800 x 450 pixels in size.

When approved, the event will be listed on the RSV's event calendar and promoted via our social media channels.

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Citizen science involves public participation and collaboration in scientific research with the aim to increase scientific knowledge. It’s a great way to harness community skills and passion to fuel the capacity of science to answer our questions about the world and how it works.

To be involved in citizen science you don’t need a science degree. Citizen scientists work with scientists or the scientific framework to achieve scientific goals. To access resources in support of your citizen science project, consider working with the public libraries and Tech Schools who can access grants under the Partnership Network program.

Find out more about citizen science in Victoria

• Discover a Citizen Science Project Near You
• Australian Citizen Science Association – Victorian Chapter

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Share in, discover, and contribute to the excitement during National Science Week this August. The future is for everyone to create, and science is helping to build the future. So engage with science, and get involved in shaping our bright, collective future. Discuss, create and invent with us, because science is for everyone.

National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology, running each year in August.

Each year, over one million people participate in more than 2000 events across the country. These events attract a wide audience from children to adults, and citizen scientists to professionals, encouraging a broader interest in scientific pursuits, and inspiring younger people to be fascinated by the world we live in.

This celebration of science is your opportunity to contribute ideas, satisfy your curiosity, and learn about some of the many contributions of Australian scientists to the world of knowledge.

The theme for 2025's National Science Week will be announced shortly

From major public institutions to grass-roots knowledge networks across Victoria, the program demonstrates the power of collective action: from public libraries answering a thirst for deeper understanding with their local communities, to neighbourhood houses and community groups conducting citizen science and promoting evidence-based sustainability practices.

This National Science Week, learn how you can use reliable knowledge to help our species, ecosystems and people to Survive and Thrive into the future.

A full list of activities in Victoria can be viewed on the National Science Week website.

National Science Week is a series of community-focused events presented in collaboration between Museums Victoria, Royal Botanical Gardens Victoria, Zoos Victoria, Neighbourhood Houses Victoria, Public Libraries Victoria and the Royal Society of Victoria for National Science Week, produced by the Inspiring Victoria program.