The Kids Research Institute Australia will return to Broome for National Science Week in August to host The Kids STEM Festival, with a refreshed program of hands-on fun curated for local students and families.
The festival, to be held at the Broome Civic Centre, offers a lineup of interactive displays and educational activities, inviting local kids to jump into the exciting world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Activities include:
- Build a bacteriophage – Children will be introduced to bacteriophages or phages, superheros viruses that kill bacteria. In this activity students will build their very own bacteriophage they can take home, and learn about how these viruses can help us with life threatening bacterial infections that can’t be treated any other way.
- Hand Washing and Infection Control – This eye-opening activity raises awareness of how germs can remain on your hands after ineffective washing, using UV-sensitive lotion and ultraviolet light to reinforce the critical role of good hand hygiene.
- Antibody Detectives - An introduction to how the immune system responds to infection and vaccinations. Students will analyse antibodies in simulated blood samples to determine whether the individual may be protected, require a booster vaccination, or is yet to be vaccinated.
The Kids STEM Festival is designed to spark curiosity and inspire regional and First Nations students to see themselves as scientists and offers the opportunity for students to meet first-hand with passionate researchers and local experts.
Kimberley Operations Manager and proud Noongar woman from Menang- Gnudju Country, Rae Tape, said she was excited to attend her first STEM Festival in Broome.
“The festival reflects The Kids’ commitment to connecting regional and remote Aboriginal communities with scientific research and innovation,” Ms Tate said.
“By creating opportunities for engagement and learning, it can help inspire and support our young people to pursue pathways into science and research, enabling the next generation of Aboriginal scientists to contribute to their communities and Country.”
Rangelands NRM, Environs Kimberley, Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA, Engineers Australia, and Broome Bird Observatory are set to take part in the event to showcase local STEM opportunities.
The Kids STEM Festival Broome 2026 would nt be possible without the support of Inspiring Australia, the Australian Government, CFC Group Foundation, Broome Civic Centre, and the Shire of Broome.
Senior Manager of the Community Engagement team from The Kids, Belinda Frank, said she was excited to welcome children and families back for another two days of learning, discovery, and connection.
“Ensuring regional families have the same access to quality STEM experiences as those in the city remains at the heart of what we do, and the Broome community continues to remind us just how much that matters,” Ms Frank said.
“We're also looking forward to reconnecting families with our research at The Kids – showing the real science behind our work and how it's helping shape the future of child health.”
Event details
Community STEM Festival sessions
Date: Wednesday 13 August (session 1) and Thursday 14 August (session 2)
Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Location: Graduates Hall, Curtin University
Cost: Free
Link: https://www.thekids.org.au/events/2026-stem-festival-broome/
About the STEM Festival
The Kids Research Institute Australia's STEM Festival brings real-life science to the community, inspiring a passion for STEM through hands-on workshops and activities. By connecting students with our researchers and local organisations, we aim to:
- Inspire the next generation to pursue STEM careers
- Foster community engagement for future research
- Showcase local science opportunities
- Celebrate Indigenous Australian scientific knowledge
First published Friday 24 July 2026.
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