The $3.8 million investment boost in the game-changing Superstars of STEM program will powerfully elevate diversity in science and technology and inspire girls and women to study STEM subjects.
The funding - announced last night by Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic MP - pays for the program to run until 2030, and provides for an increased focus on reaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander audiences.
Superstars of STEM is run by Science & Technology with funding from the Australian Government. The program takes women and non-binary scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians, and gives them the skills, training, and support they need to turn themselves into highly-visible role models in the media.
Since 2017 it has created 210 Superstars of STEM, including such well-known scientific media commentators as whale expert Dr Vanessa Pirotta, infectious diseases expert Dr Kudzai Kanhutu, and Gamilaroi astrophysicist Karlie Noon. The program was praised in the recent Pathway to Diversity in STEM review as one that was making a tangible difference and shifting the dial in getting more women and girls into STEM study and careers.
Applications for the next intake of the program which begins in 2025 are open now.
"This investment in continuing and growing the Superstars of STEM program is welcome and will enable us to turn 120 more STEM experts into highly-visible science leaders," said STA Deputy CEO and Superstars of STEM program manager Dr Sandra Gardam.
"The Superstars of STEM program is shifting public perceptions of what a scientist looks like, and the Superstars themselves are inspiring girls into studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics."
"Australia needs a STEM-skilled workforce to meet its future workforce needs and create the economy and society we want. That means being able to draw on our entire talent pool and breaking down barriers to science and technology studies and careers. Superstars of STEM helps people who have never considered STEM, see themselves in a STEM career."
"We're thrilled, too, that the funding provides for a boost for a stronger focus on Indigenous science and technology role models and building visibility in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations."
