Superstars of STEM

Superstars of STEM is a game-changing Australian initiative to smash gender assumptions about who can work in science, technology, engineering and maths. Since it was created by Science & Technology Australia in 2017, it has made a powerful contribution to start to tackle the serious gender inequity of visible diverse role models featured in the media as experts in STEM.  Open to women and non-binary people, the program equips brilliant diverse STEM experts with advanced communication skills and opportunities - in the media, on stage and in schools. The result: we’re growing a critical mass of more diverse celebrity scientists appearing regularly in the Australian media to inspire our next generations of young Australians into STEM study and careers.

STA has a strong commitment to ongoing evaluation and continuous improvement in our programs. We release a report on the impact of our Superstars every six months. On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2022 STA released a full evaluation report on the Superstars of STEM program. 

Impact report Evaluation report

OUR IMPACT

Exceeding expectations, our 210 Superstars have achieved the following since 2017.

38 million

people reached through media in last six months

8 800+

media mentions

94%

feel the program is having a positive impact

85 000+

kids engaged
(see map for locations)

Find out more about the Superstar program and how to apply to become one of the next Superstars of STEM.

Meet the Superstars of STEM and request a speaker for your school or next event.

Working with participants over two years, the program strives to; 

  • Support 60 brilliant experts employed in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to become highly visible media and public role models (women and non-binary people are eligible to apply); 
  • Build the media and public profile of 60 Superstars of STEM through training in public speaking, media and communicating with influence and through creating opportunities to practice their newly acquired skills;
  • Empower participants to share their story and their work with general audiences by equipping them with advanced communications skills and an understanding of traditional media, social media and storytelling. 
  • Smash imposter syndrome and build confidence in a range of professional settings. Participants will learn how to communicate with influence, in their workplaces, in the media and with leaders and politicians. 
  • Directly encourage young people to study and stay in STEM, by program participants speaking with them in their schools and workplaces and by providing prominent diverse public role models to inspire them into STEM. 
  • Continuously evaluate and improve the effectiveness of the program through an iterative process of seeking feedback from participants and applying the lessons learned. 

Major Supporter

DISR Logo

Partners

Google
Defence – Inline – Black
STEM Matters logos

Supporting Partners

AusSMC Logo
logo for the Conversation

To partner with us to promote these leading women and non-binary people in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, please contact:

Sandra Gardam
Program Manager
T: 02 6113 0780
or visit our Contact Us page

Enquiries:

For enquiries about the program please contact:

Sandra Gardam
Program Manager
T: 02 6113 0780
or visit our Contact Us page

Please note, the name 'Superstars of STEM' is a registered trademark of Science & Technology Australia. Use of the term 'Superstars of STEM', when not relating to this program run by Science & Technology Australia, is not permitted.