Outreach and community engagement

We're passionate about engaging the wider community and schools through exciting citizen science projects and inspiring outreach activities.

The School of Natural Sciences provides our students, researchers and the broader community with many engagement opportunities. We also connect directly with policy-makers and organisations to offer support and advice.

Engagement opportunities

Whether it's volunteering, joining our student groups working on projects or even joining our team – our School has many opportunities available.

Our casual academics support the School's teaching activities including assisting with practicals, workshops, field trips and marking and other activities.

View current opportunities.

Do you want to get some experience working in a lab or doing fieldwork to help you decide on your future career direction? Our staff are always looking for volunteers to assist them.

Volunteering is a great way to:

  • get involved in research
  • build your contacts
  • gain valuable experience for your CV
  • make a difference in the community.

If you are interested in volunteering, fill in our Volunteer Application Form, and we will get in touch with you. To learn more about a research group, visit their website.

The School is home to Macquarie’s impressive National Indigenous Science Education Program (NISEP). This nationally-recognised school engagement program provides hands-on science activities and leadership opportunities for secondary students from low socioeconomic status communities.

NISEP encourages students, especially Indigenous students, to embrace science study and opens pathways to further tertiary education.

Undergraduate students in the School of Natural Sciences can participate in NISEP (and other community outreach initiatives) and gain academic credit via the special PACE subject MOLS3002 – Engaging the Community in Science.

Our School has an energetic and active community program showcasing the fun, fascination and wonderment of tertiary study in natural sciences.

The famed Macquarie Chemistry Magic Show is always a hit at University Open Days, festival appearances and school visits. The School academics also host popular bridging courses for incoming students.