Senator The Hon Tim Ayres
Minister for Industry and Innovation
Minister for Science
Senator for NSW
The Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP
Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury
Member for Fenner
Lights, Camera, Science: Funding For Scinema 2026
4 March 2026
The Albanese Labor Government is supporting science engagement with $17,205 in funding for the 2026 SCINEMA International Science Film Festival.
Awarded under the National Science Week 2026 - Science Engagement Program grants, the grant will help deliver SCINEMA from 15 to 23 August, giving schools and communities across Australia free access to high-quality science films.
For 25 years, SCINEMA has used storytelling to make science accessible and compelling. Through an international competition, a student film competition and a curated national screening program, the festival connects Australians with scientific ideas in creative and engaging ways.
It’s one of 28 projects that will be supported by a National Science Week grant this August.
In 2025, National Science Week drew record participation numbers, with around 3 million people taking part in more than 2,500 events nationwide.
A similar number of events are anticipated for National Science Week 2026, featuring as its theme Seeds of science: Nurturing knowledge for all. This theme invites students across Australia to explore the power of curiosity, inquiry and shared learning in growing scientific understanding.
For more details, or to organise an in-person or online event, visit https://www.scienceweek.net.au/
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, Tim Ayres MP:
“National Science Week is about building the pipeline of scientific and technological talent that makes a Future Made in Australia possible.
“More young Australians are enrolling to study science and engineering at university than ever before, and so many of their journeys will have been sparked by the National Science Weeks of the past few years.
“I’m delighted to see 28 outstanding projects and events supported by National Science Week Grants for 2026, bringing Australians together so we can all better understand the scientific and technological forces that shape our world.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Fenner, Andrew Leigh MP:
“Science shapes everything – from the medicines we take to the technologies we rely on each day.
“SCINEMA sparks curiosity in classrooms, inspires young filmmakers and helps Australians see the world through a scientific lens.
“Selected films will be screened free of charge in schools, libraries and community venues nationwide during National Science Week.”
Quote attributable to SCINEMA Festival Director, Cris Kennedy:
“While technology has made filmmaking and running a film festival more affordable, this grant will help us extend the reach of our program across the whole nation.”
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