Registration

Public registration for Science at the Shine Dome 2026 will be opening soon!

Diversity and inclusion grants

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The Australian Academy of Science diversity and inclusion grants are designed to allow everyone the opportunity to attend Science at the Shine Dome 2026. The purpose of this grant is to reduce practical barriers to attendance by contributing to additional eligible costs associated with caring responsibilities or accessibility requirements.

Applications close at 11:55pm Sunday 16 August, unless funding is exhausted earlier. Full eligibility criteria and grant details can be found on the grant page of the Academy website.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, you must first submit your registration to attend Science at the Shine Dome 2026, then complete the application form contained within your registration confirmation email.

If an application is declined for any reason, including ineligibility, any pre-paid registration fees can be fully refunded. Applications will close at 11:55pm Sunday 16 August, unless funding is exhausted earlier.

ELIGIBLE EXPENSES

Childcare and dependent care: Costs of formal care arrangements required to enable attendance at the event, including childcare, outside school hours care, or other paid care services. This does not include unpaid or informal care provided by family members or friends.
Travel for an accompanying support person: Reasonable travel costs for one accompanying support person where that support is necessary to enable the attendee to participate in the event.
Family style accommodation in Canberra to accommodate a dependant or informal carer.
Professional accessibility or support services: Costs of services required to support participation, such as Auslan interpreting, disability support work, specialised transport, or similar approved services.
Other approved participation support costs: Other reasonable and necessary costs directly related to attendance may be considered where they are clearly explained and approved by the Academy.

INELIGIBLE EXPENSES

Registration fees to attend Science at the Shine Dome 2026.
Costs not directly related to attendance at Science at the Shine Dome 2026.
Costs already covered by another source.
Upgrades or premium travel expenses.
Expenses incurred without prior approval.
Expenses for accompanying family members who are not part of the approved support need.
Everyday personal expenses, including meals and general personal items, unless expressly approved as part of an eligible support need.
Ordinary costs of attending the event that all attendees would normally bear, unless expressly approved.

EMCR Workshops

On Tuesday 15 September, we encourage early- and mid-career researchers to join us for professional development workshops.

Registration to participate in a workshop is available via the EMCR registration form. These workshops will be held concurrently, therefore each participant can only attend one workshop.

Workshop 1

Developing a robust grant proposal

This workshop will walk research grant applicants through the four essential elements of a robust proposal: significance, quality, innovation and feasibility.

Each attendee will come away with answers to these questions for their own research projects:

Who needs your research, within and outside of academia?
What appropriate methodologies, methods, design elements or concepts do you need to ensure a high-quality project?
What novel and innovate elements are built into your research plan and how have you balanced this with risk?
What involvement do you need from other organisations, policy makers, practitioners, networks or researchers to ensure your research is significant and feasible?

Supported by:

Workshop 2

Research in the mainstream media

The Science Media Savvy workshop is designed to increase your confidence and give you the knowledge and media skills to engage more effectively with the wider public through the media.

You will learn what makes a story, what drives the news agenda, and learn practical techniques to improve communication, avoid jargon and tailor your message to your audience.

This workshop will provide tips on planning and preparing for media interviews, lessons on developing a story to improve stakeholder engagement, funding applications, public talks and outreach. We will also explore the potential benefits and pitfalls of social media, the different platforms available, how to get started, and how to build an online presence that gets you noticed.

Supported by:

General information

The closest hotels to the Shine Dome are Peppers Gallery Hotel, QT Canberra, Ovolo Nishi and University House, which are all within short walking distances of the Shine Dome. We encourage you to book your accommodation without delay.

Canberra airport is approximately 8km from the Shine Dome. More information is available

on the Canberra airport website.

Catering during breaks throughout the event is included in delegate registration. Tea and coffee will also be available on arrival each morning. Guests with special dietary requirements should indicate these requirements at registration, and see the catering staff onsite for their meals.

Children are welcome to attend all parts of Science at the Shine Dome 2026. They must be accompanied at all times by a parent or guardian. Those breastfeeding are welcome to

breastfeed anywhere at the event, and the Suzanne Cory Room in the Shine Dome is available if a quiet space is preferred. Full parent room facilities are also available in Ian Potter House.

Transport to the airport from the Shine Dome will be provided at the conclusion of the event on Thursday 17 September. Guests are required to book as part of their online registration.

By registering for and attending any Science at the Shine Dome 2026 function,

in-person or online, attendees agree to adhere to the Australian Academy of Science’s Participant Code of Conduct

The dress code for all functions at the Shine Dome is business. The dress code for the gala dinner on Wednesday evening is formal, with black tie optional.

The Science at the Shine Dome event app will be available to all registered attendees, closer to the event.

The Science at the Shine Dome 2026 livestream covers all ceremonies, lectures and

presentations in the Ian Wark Theatre at the Shine Dome. Those travelling to or

from the event, and those unable to attend in person, are invited to tune in to

this livestream.

The Ian Wark Theatre, both upstairs and downstairs, is equipped with an infrared Hearing

Loop. See Academy staff at the information desk to obtain a receiver and

required attachments.

Shine Dome

15 Gordon Street, Acton ACT 2601

Limited parking available via 9 Gordon Street, Acton.

Academy staff at the information desk can store luggage onsite. Please note that luggage is stored at your own risk.

Limited free car parking is available in the Academy's Gordon Street carpark, accessible via 9 Gordon Street, Acton ACT 2601. Bicycle parking is available at the venue. Additional pay parking areas are available within short walking distance to the Shine Dome. Please note, the forecourt area of the Shine Dome is set down only.

The Shine Dome is a short walk from public transport stations/stops. More information on public transport options can be found at www.transport.act.gov.au.

If required, taxis can be booked at the venue registration desk.

Registration