About
The Science Engagement Initiative of the Year award recognises an initiative that has made an outstanding contribution to community awareness, interest and/or participation in science in Western Australia.
Now in its 25th year, the Premier's Science Awards recognises and celebrates the outstanding scientific research and engagement taking place in Western Australia.
Meet our finalists
In 2026, four finalists have been selected for the Science Engagement Initiative of the Year category:
BinarX Future Workforce Development Program
Curtin University
The BinarX Future Workforce Development Program (BinarX) is a Western Australian science engagement initiative delivered by Curtin University’s Binar Space Program. Operating since 2021, participants progressed from foundational electronics and coding to contributing flight ready hardware and software integrated into the Binar 5 satellite, now assembled, tested and awaiting launch into space in late 2026. BinarX has expanded beyond high school delivery to include tailored programs for neurodivergent teenagers, primary students and regional communities. By connecting participants to authentic, end to end space missions, BinarX builds confidence, capability and awareness of pathways into STEM study, research and industry across Western Australia.
Living STEM
Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Delivered by CSIRO and supported by Chevron, Living STEM is a place-based science engagement initiative that strengthens STEM education outcomes in schools across Western Australia by supporting educators to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges through Two-way Science and inquiry-based learning. Through co-designed school and community clusters in the Pilbara, educators build capability, cultural confidence and strong school–community partnerships. Since 2023, Living STEM has reached 30 schools, engaged more than 100 educators and indirectly benefited more than 1,000 students. Embedded evaluation evidence demonstrates improved educator practice, high participant satisfaction, increased STEM engagement in students, and inclusive participation, particularly Aboriginal communities.
Miyawaki Forest Outreach Program
Murdoch University
The Miyawaki Forest Outreach Program is a nationally and internationally recognised hands-on science initiative run by Murdoch University since 2021 that engages school students and the community in planting and studying small, dense native forests. Students act as citizen scientists, collecting real data on biodiversity, soil attributes and forest success measures. The program has grown from seven forests in 2022 to 22 in 2025, with five new forests in 2026, engaging over 5,200 participants. It has produced more than 40,000 data points, a peer reviewed paper, and wildlife-supporting habitats. It also influences policy, with ‘pocket forests’ now funded under Western Australia’s ‘Let’s Grow’ grants.
Turtle Conservation and Communities on Country
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
The 'Turtle Conservation with Communities on Country' initiative has operated locally in the Pilbara towns of Onslow and Roebourne since 2017. It is an engagement initiative of the broader North West Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Program based out of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. The initiative provides real-world turtle monitoring experiences, sustained and integrated school programs and repeated community outreach to targeted communities. Over the last decade, the initiative has increased STEM literacy and expanded participation, interest and engagement with conservation science and advocacy in these regional and under-represented communities.
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