Superstars of STEM

Superstars of STEM will smash society’s gender assumptions about scientists and increase the public visibility of women in STEM.

We’ll work with 30 of the nation’s most dynamic scientists and technologists to create role models for young women and girls, and work towards equal representation in the media of men and women in STEM.

We'll equip the Superstars with advanced communication skills and provide them with the opportunities to use them - in the media, on the stage, and in speaking with decision-makers.

The program will also connect participants through a mentoring network, to encourage them to learn from women who have crafted a profile for themselves and who already serve as role models.

We invite women from all STEM disciplines to apply, in fields including but not restricted to mathematics, technology, biology, medical research, geology, marine science, microbiology, engineering, physics, astronomy, and more.

Applications have now closed.

Superstars of STEM logo with text

Applications have closed. Check back here for updates.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Stage 1: applicants complete the application form, addressing the selection criteria and provide a 150-250 word professional biography, before 5pm (AEST) on 23 May 2017.

Stage 2: applicants are shortlisted and invited to prepare a one-minute audition video filmed on their own device (using a mobile, tablet or similar as we are testing for screen presence rather than production values).

Stage 3: Successful applicants will be notified by 30 June 2017.

"The opportunities that will come from this program will propel these womens' careers, shaping them to become influencers and leaders in their sector."

Kylie Walker - CEO

Science & Technology Australia is now accepting applications for the inaugural Superstars of STEM program. The program strives to:

  • Support 30 women employed in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to become highly visible public role models;
  • Build the public profile of 30 women employed in STEM through training in public speaking, media and communicating with influence and through creating opportunities to practice their newly acquired skills; and
  • Directly encourage young women and girls to study and stay in STEM, by program participants speaking with them in their schools and workplaces and by providing prominent public role models for them to aspire to.

The Program in Detail

The program will run from July 2017-July 2018 and will include the following professional development opportunities:

Workshops

Each participant will be expected to attend and participate in four full day workshops;

  • Becoming an online influencer
  • Public Speaking and Storytelling
  • Media Training and Engagement
  • Communicating with Influence

Workshops will be a combination of live online workshops and face-to-face delivery in an Australian capital city. Flights and accommodation costs to attend the face-to-face workshops will be covered by the program.

Networking

Participants will be strongly encouraged to also attend the following networking opportunities however flights and accommodation for attendance at these events will not be covered by Superstars of STEM. Where ever possible subsidised registration fees will be offered to program participants. These events are likely to include:

  • SAGE Symposium, Brisbane, 5-6 September 2017
  • Science Meets Business, Sydney, 9 November 2017
  • Science Meets Parliament, Canberra, mid March 2018

Additional networking opportunities will be available to participants and participation in these is expected where possible.

Mentoring

Each participant will be required to have a mentor and be a mentor. Assistance will be provided to select and source an appropriate mentor and participants will be allocated a mentee. The time commitment to mentoring will be one mentor meeting per month via phone, skype, email or face to face if possible.

Media

Once participants have been trained in media relations they will be provided with opportunities to practice their new skills. Program participants will be expected to participate in these opportunities on an ad-hoc basis. Opportunities will include but not be limited to:

  • Mainstream media interviews (including traditional news media, TV and radio talk shows; magazines; online news sites);
  • Social media activity (including twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Linkedin, blogs);
  • Marketing opportunities generated by Science and Technology Australia, its members and partners;
  • Speaking at public, corporate or Government events
Public Speaking

With support from the program, each program participant will be required to proactively conduct a speaking tour of at least three and up to five of their local high schools.

Program Alumni

At the conclusion of the 12-month program participants will be provided with support materials and advice to enable them to continue to grow their public profile and with suggestions and opportunities to build on the professional relationships they’ve established with one another. Participants will be strongly encouraged to continue the mentoring relationships they’ve established during the program.

It is anticipated that program alumni will be proactively connected through the Superstars network for five years post-program, through lasting networks and mentoring relationships and follow up surveys to measure the impact of the program on participants careers.

Enquiries:

If you have any enquiries about the program please contact:

Brodie Steel, Project Officer - Superstars of STEM

02 6257 2891 - brodie.steel@sta.org.au

Please note Brodie’s work days are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Superstars of STEM is funded by the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, and delivered in partnership with the Australian Science Media Centre and Women in STEMM Australia.