Australian Science Innovations deliver challenging science extension programs for high school students that aim to broaden horizons, identify capabilities and build Australia’s scientific community.

Our Programs

In partnership with teachers and schools, we offer a range of science extension programs for science-loving students who want to challenge themselves, and explore their potential.

We proudly deliver the Australian Science Olympiads programs, Junior Science Olympiad programs, Big Science Competition and help deliver the Curious Minds – Girls in STEM program.

Australian Science Olympiads

The Australian Science Olympiads are a staged science enrichment program for highly motivated students in Australian high schools. The program covers four separate disciplines Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, and Physics.

It starts by sitting the Australian Science Olympiads exams. Students register through their school and sit the online exam as a cohort at their school. Students who participate in the Australian Science Olympiad exam may earn an invitation to Summer School at the Australian National University. Exceptional students may then be chosen to represent Australia as part of the teams which attend the International Science Olympiads across the world.

Junior Science Olympiad

The Junior Science Olympiad staged science enrichment program is for highly motivated students in Australian high schools in Years 7 to 10.

It starts by sitting the Junior Science Olympiad Exam, which covers a wide range of topics in science, including Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental science, and Physics. High achieving students may be selected to attend the Spring School residential camp, and could then be selected to represent Australia at the International Junior Science Olympiad.

Other opportunities may be offered to selected students to participate in further Junior Science Olympiad extension programs, such as our digital JSO Training Squad or our virtual JSO Academy.

Curious Minds

Empowering girls who are passionate in STEM to explore their full potential, through a hands-on extension and mentoring program.

If you’re a girl in year 8, 9 or 10 who is passionate about STEM subjects, or if you’re a female professional working in the STEM industry and would like to become a coach, you can express your interest for the next program.

Big Science Competition

The Big Science Competition is open to students in Years 7 to 10 globally. It’s a 50-minute, mixed format online competition testing science knowledge, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Questions are set in real-life, contemporary contexts, making them relatable… and interesting!

The Big Science Competition is one of the biggest international science competitions held in schools. It is an easy way to challenge students from Years 7 to 10 and track their performance against state or national averages. Competition questions are aligned with the Australian Curriculum – Science.

Australian schools and students can win great prizes!

 

Key Dates and Events

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Big Science Competition

Monday 5 to Friday 16 May 2025

Registrations will open in early 2025.

Teachers and facilitators who are new to BSC, subscribe to the ASI Program Updates mailing list for news on our 2025 programs!

Junior Science Olympiad Exams image

Junior Science Olympiad Exams

Years 9 & 10 – Wednesday 11 June 2025
Year 7 & 8 – Friday 13 June 2025

Registrations will open in 2025.

Teachers and facilitators who are new to JSO, subscribe to the ASI Program Updates mailing list.

Australian Science Olympiad Exams image

Australian Science Olympiad Exams

Physics – Monday 4 August 2025
Biology – Tuesday 5 August 2025
Earth & Environmental Science – Wed 6 August 2025
Chemistry – Thursday 7 August 2025

Registrations will open in 2025.

Teachers and facilitators who are new to ASO, subscribe to the ASI Program Updates mailing list.

 

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Curious Minds - girls in STEM

Express Your Interest in becoming a Curious Minds student and STEM Coach for the next program.

Our mission is to discover and enable Australia’s most talented students to compete in the International Science Olympiads through exceptional education and mentorship programs, and to foster a culture of innovation, inclusion and enthusiasm for science, supporting Australia’s ambition to become a global STEM superpower.

Our Partnerships