National Science and Engineering Challenge Final
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This year’s National Science and Engineering Challenge final will be held in the Great Hall at Australian Parliament House, Canberra. The top scoring school from each state and territory, plus a local wild card school will compete in increasingly difficult STEM challenges with the winner crowned as National Champions for 2026!
The National Science and Engineering Challenge (SEC) is a nationwide STEM outreach program presented by the University of Newcastle in partnership with communities, Rotary clubs, universities and sponsors. The SEC is conducted in every state and territory with over 50% of participants living in rural or remote locations. The competition is divided into three levels: regional, state and national. Typically, eight schools per day compete in a Challenge with each school providing a team of 32 students. These teams are divided into eight groups that compete in one or two activities during the day.
In attendance will be guests from the University of Newcastle, and parliamentary and industry representatives including Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinksy AO and Chair of the National Science and Engineering Challenge Council Emeritus Professor John O’Connor.
Meeting point: The Marble Foyer, Australian Parliament House
PLEASE REGISTER IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND THIS EVENT
Event Information
- Date: This in person event will be held on Wednesday 28 October 2026 from 8:30am - 2:30pm
- Location: Great Hall, Australian Parliament House
History of the Science and Engineering Challenge 16:09
In our 25th year we want to share stories of how the Science and Engineering Challenge began. Watch interviews of some of the major players involved at the very beginning in 2000 and others who are involved around the country - we see over 25 000 annually from every state and territory!
National Final Sponsors
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.