Sixty stellar scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians were officially announced today as Australia’s new Superstars of STEM by the Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic MP.
The new Superstars highlight the strong diversity of women and non-binary people in Australian science and technology – including 3 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander superstar scientists, 14 from regional Australia, and Superstars from a constellation of economic, social and cultural backgrounds. They are drawn from every state and territory around the country.
Among the Superstars are a researcher using AI to help businesses understand, measure and reduce their impact on biodiversity, a climate scientist studying floods to keep Australians safe, a mathematician using numbers to tackle violence against women, and an engineer using light and high frequency tech to detect hidden dangers from cancer to concealed weapons.
Over the next two years, the Superstars will undergo intensive training and skills development to give them the experience and confidence to step into the public spotlight as go-to media commentators for science and technology stories. They’ll also do hundreds of school visits to encourage young people into a future in science and technology.
Science & Technology Australia Deputy CEO and Superstars of STEM Program Manager Dr Sandra Gardam said the program was powerfully changing public perceptions of scientists in the media.
“We know it’s really hard to be what you can’t see,” she said. “This world-leading program is smashing stereotypes of what a scientist, technologist, engineer or mathematician looks like.”
“By becoming highly visible role models in the media, these Superstars of STEM are showing our diverse next generations of young people – especially our girls and non-binary kids, regardless of where they live and whatever their background – that STEM is for them.”
“The need to inspire diverse young minds into the science, technology, engineering and mathematics sector is urgent,” she said.
“Careers in STEM are predicted to grow by at least 14% in coming years – more than twice the rate of non-STEM jobs. The country needs a STEM-trained workforce to meet this need, and the Superstars of STEM will play a vital role in inspiring young people into those science and technology careers.”
Science & Technology Australia Chief Executive Officer, Ryan Winn said the program gives women and non-binary people in STEM crucial skills and confidence to step into expert commentary roles in the media.
“Superstars of STEM is a game-changing program for Australia’s science and technology sectors and works to ensure that the country has the STEM-skilled workforce it will need for the future. The Government’s investment in Superstars of STEM is bolstering diversity in a sector that will shape our future economy. We are deeply grateful for it.”
Superstars of STEM is an initiative of Science & Technology Australia funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources. The next 60 Superstars of STEM will join the program in early 2025.
Through a highly competitive selection process, the program selects 60 women and non-binary STEM experts and gives them the training, confidence, networks and experience to become sought-after media commentators as experts in their fields.
Media contact:
Martyn Pearce 0432 606 828
