The Otago Community Trust has given $75,000 to the festival for its 25th anniversary, to be run in Dunedin from June 30 to July 9.
Festival director Jerome Cousins said the event was the only festival of its type in the country, and the continued cornerstone funding from Otago Community Trust and other funding partners ensured the festival could deliver accessible, meaningful science to the public at little to no cost.
"We’ve ensured over 70% of festival events are free this year, and those that have a charge are kept at a minimum."
Mr Cousins said he was thrilled with how this year’s programme was coming together.
"It’s going to be eye-popping, thought-provoking, fun and engaging.
"We have some incredible guest speakers, hands-on workshops and museum exhibitions — plus, this year marks 25 years of the festival in Dunedin and it keeps getting better every year."
Otago Community Trust chairman Andy Kilsby said trustees were always impressed with the calibre of events on offer and acknowledged the International Science Festival promoted Dunedin as a city of science and education.
"The fact that it is the only festival of its type in the country is unique, we are pleased to fund this each year to continue to bring together sector leaders who educate, inspire and celebrate science and its role in our daily lives."
In total, the trust approved more than $340,500 to 24 organisations in May 2023.
Other organisations benefiting from community grants in May included the Dunedin (NZ) Masters Games Trust ($90,000); WAI Wānaka ($20,000); Save the Otago Peninsula Society Inc ($20,000); and the Maniototo Lions Charitable Trust ($4000).
