Meet South Australia's Citizen Science Award champions for 2026

From monitoring wildlife to collecting environmental data, citizen scientists are helping shape a better future for South Australia.

The 2026 South Australian Citizen Science Awards, presented by Inspiring South Australia, the Department for Environment and Water, and the South Australian Chapter of the Australian Citizen Science Association (ACSA), celebrate the people and projects making an incredible impact through citizen science.

Here are this year's outstanding winners and finalists:

Phytoplankton of South Australia

Winner

When a harmful algal bloom impacted South Australia's coastline in 2025, community members stepped up to help monitor and understand the event. By learning how to collect water samples, use microscopes and identify phytoplankton species, volunteers created a statewide network of citizen scientists. Working alongside researchers from universities, government and industry, the group has generated valuable data that is contributing to bloom research and helping build community capacity to respond to future marine environmental challenges.

iSPYthon

Finalist

The Murray-Darling Carpet Python is one of South Australia's most elusive reptiles, making it difficult to study using traditional survey methods. iSPYthon enlisted the help of local communities, schools, and First Nations partners to record python sightings and contribute valuable ecological data. In just a few years, the project has dramatically increased knowledge of the species' distribution, informed ongoing research and conservation efforts, and inspired community interest in a species many people never knew existed in South Australia.

Transforming to an Age-Friendly World

Highly commended

This innovative project invited older South Australians to become citizen scientists, documenting their experiences of local parks and public green spaces. Participants collected geo-coded data, shared observations, and helped co-design age-friendly improvements using digital tools including virtual and augmented reality. 
The project generated useful evidence for planners and councils while empowering older residents to play an active role in shaping their communities. The resulting approach offers a practical model for creating more inclusive public spaces across South Australia.

Kangaroo Island/Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch

Highly commended

For more than 20 years, Dolphin Watch has empowered volunteers to collect and analyse data on local dolphin populations using photographic identification techniques. Citizen scientists work alongside researchers and conservation organisations to monitor dolphin movements, behaviour, and habitat use.

The project's long-term dataset has contributed to scientific publications, conservation planning, and marine habitat protection, while also creating opportunities for community members to connect with and advocate for South Australia's marine environment.

Stay in the know: Sign up to get updates from DEW, straight to your inbox.