South Australian Citizen Science Award

Inspiring South Australia, the Department for Environment and Water and the South Australian Chapter of the Australian Citizen Science Association (ACSA-SA) are pleased to announce the opening of the SA Citizen Science Awards for 2026.

The SA Citizen Science Awards celebrate those making a real impact across South Australia. Show how your project inspires participation, learning and quality science with two prizes on offer: $5,000 for the winner and $2,500 for the finalist. It’s hoped the prize money will further support the project or to generate new citizen science projects.

Applications will be accepted between 4 May and 14 June 2026.

The Citizen Science Award is open to current South Australian citizen science projects that promote and increase community participation in projects that encompass quality science, engagement and education.

The nomination guidelines and Citizen Science Award Nomination forms are found through the below hyperlinks:

Alternate links for download are available here: https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/science/citizen-science/grants-and-

Citizen Science
Citizen science projects play a vital role in advancing scientific research, fostering community engagement, and building a more scientific literate society. By contributing observations, data, and insights, everyday people become active participants in real-world discovery, helping researchers tackle challenges ranging from environmental conservation to health and space exploration. Citizen science empowers individuals of all ages to connect with science in meaningful ways, deepening their understanding of the world around them while contributing to outcomes that benefit society as a whole. Visit this webpage for more on citizen science in South Australia: https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/science/citizen-science.

Members of the Beach Nesting Birds conference 2022. Courtesy of Grainne Maguire

Beach Nesting Bird Conference 2022. Courtesy of Grainne Maguire

A group of citizen scientist on a beach looking for birds. Courtesy of Renee Mead.

Courtesy of Renee Mead

Citizen Scientists in action, searching for specimens in a body of water. Courtesy of Northern and Yorke Landscape Board

Courtesy of Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board

Recording observations of a citizen science effort. Courtesy of Northern and Yorke Landscape Board

Courtesy of Northern and Yorke Landscape Board

Citizen Scientists knee deep in water, surrounded by plants. Courtesy of Northern and Yorke Landscape Board

Courtesy of Northern and Yorke Landscape Board