Science Gallery wins a prestigious Eureka Prize for STEM Inclusion
Announced last night, the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes are the leading national science awards, recognising outstanding homegrown scientists, innovators and communicators driving exploration and discovery across Australia.
Science Gallery was awarded The Department of Industry, Science and Resources Eureka Prize for STEM Inclusion. The prize celebrates an initiative that has led to greater inclusion in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
In announcing the award, Australian Museum Director and CEO Kim McKay AO said the 2026 AM Eureka Prize winners showed:
“Outstanding science begins with curiosity, but its greatest impact is realised when investment in discovery improves lives. This year’s winners are tackling some of our greatest challenges: protecting our environment, advancing healthcare, informing public policy and inspiring the next generation of scientists ”
Dr Ryan Jefferies, Director of Science Gallery Melbourne, said he was honoured to receive the award on behalf of the Science Gallery team.
“Our vision is to blend science, creativity and culture to inspire young people in STEM through transformative and inclusive experiences.
Since 2022, we have attracted over 350,000 people to the Gallery, including 83,000 school students from all walks of life, many from places where distance, socio-economic or their cultural or linguistic factors may have previously excluded them. This award reinforces the collaborative work we have done in dismantling these barriers, in embedding free access and inclusive practices in everything we do”
Dr Ryan Jefferies. Photographer: Rocket Weijers. Copyright: Australia Museum.
Science Gallery at the University of Melbourne explores the collision of arts and sciences through an annual program of exhibitions, learning initiatives, public programs and research that showcases interdisciplinary and experimental practice. The Gallery has a youth-centred vision to engage young people aged 15–30, particularly those underrepresented in STEM and includes the STEM Centre of Excellence in partnership with the Victorian State Government.
Professor Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement), said the award demonstrated how University galleries and museums are an integral part of efforts to widen participation by connecting research, teaching and public engagement.
“The University’s cultural portfolio creates welcoming spaces that connect research with communities. Science Gallery Melbourne brings creativity, science and young people together to remove barriers to STEM and broaden participation.”
Robert Harrow, Science Gallery collaborator and Assistant Principal at the Victorian College for the Deaf, said Science Gallery Melbourne has established a model of best practice for inclusive STEM engagement.
“The gallery has transformed how Deaf students perceive STEM by presenting it as creative, inclusive and relevant. Importantly, the visibility of Deaf scientists, artists and educators within SGM’s programs provides powerful role models, reinforcing the message that Deaf individuals belong in STEM.”
Qian Mo (Rita) Cui, a member of Science Gallery’s Sci Curious Reference Group, said the involvement with Science Gallery has both created a sense of belonging and completely reshaped their understanding of science.
“As a young person navigating my place in STEM, I often felt uncertain about where I fit..the Gallery provides a space where my ideas, perspectives and creativity are welcomed and genuinely valued. It has completely reshaped my understanding of science.”
Senator the Hon Tim Ayers, Minister for Science with the Science Gallery Melbourne team. Photographer: Rocket Weijers. Copyright: Australia Museum.
One of four global nodes linked to universities across the globe, Science Gallery is located in the University of Melbourne’s innovation precinct, Melbourne Connect.
Science Gallery’s program is enabled by the generous support of Peter McMullin AM and Ruth McMullin, and the Victorian Government through the STEM Centre of Excellence, expanding access to inclusive STEM education for young people.
In addition to this recognition of Science Gallery, the enduring legacy of Professor Emma Johnston AO was recognised with the renaming of an Australian Museum Eureka Prize celebrating excellence in science communication and public understanding of science, and University of Melbourne Associate Professor Karen Lamb won the University of Technology Sydney Eureka Prize for Outstanding Mentor of Researchers. A total of seven teams from the University of Melbourne were finalists in last night’s awards, recognised for their excellence in mentorship, infectious disease research, and leadership.
Image Credits:
Dr Ryan Jefferies. Photographer: Rocket Weijers. Copyright: Australia Museum.
Senator the Hon Tim Ayers, Minister for Science with the Science Gallery Melbourne team. Photographer: Rocket Weijers. Copyright: Australia Museum.