Griffith University and Supercars have partnered to launch SuperGEMS, an innovative, female-focused program designed to inspire the next generation of young women to pursue careers in motorsport and STEM industries.
The SuperGEMS program was officially launched at Griffith University, with Supercars drivers, officials, and key female figures in the Supercars paddock in attendance.
PremiAir Racing engineer Romy Mayer - the first female engineer to score a Supercars pole and podium - as well as up and coming female driver Summer Rintoule, were on hand, and were joined by seven-time Bathurst 1000 winner Craig Lowndes and current Brad Jones Racing driver Bryce Fullwood.
SuperGEMS, operating under Griffith's renowned Science on the GO! initiative, will connect female students from Years 9 and 10 across Southeast Queensland with industry professionals and will incorporate motorsport-related activities, offering students unique experiences that highlight the exciting opportunities within the world of motorsport.
Anita Brant, STEM Outreach Manager for the Science on the Go program at Griffith said "SuperGEMS is about creating real-world connections between education and industry".
"By engaging students in hands-on, motorsport-focused STEM activities, we aim to ignite their passion for science and technology while showcasing the exciting career pathways available in motorsport," she said.
"Through the SuperGEMS program, we will be able to provide young women with direct access to the Supercars industry and inspire the next generation of STEM leaders who will drive the future of STEM and Supercars."
The program will be highlighted by mentorship opportunities with motorsport professionals, problem-solving projects featuring real-world scenarios faced by Supercars competitors, and experience days bringing students up close with the inner workings of the sport.
"SuperGEMS represents a significant step forward in promoting diversity and innovation within our sport," said Supercars COO, Tim Watsford.
"The goal of SuperGEMS is to foster the growth of diversity within the industry by providing young women direct access to the sport in new and ambitious ways.
"SuperGEMS students will be able to dissect real-world scenarios in the classroom, lean on the knowledge of Supercars personnel, and get up close with a number of key elements of the sport through our experience days.
"We are privileged to have a number of brilliant women currently making waves in Australian motorsport, some of whom are here today, and we are looking forward to bringing this next generation of STEM leaders up to speed in the motorsport industry."
