STEM

A new report exploring engagement in engineering and STEM claims that barriers remain to equitable participation in these sectors and that more action needs to be taken to bridge the gender divide. The report from the newly-established Engineering for Australia Taskforce explores the factors which affect girls’ participation in STEM and engineering and examines 115 … Continue reading Taskforce report says action required to make STEM more inclusive →

The federal government has launched its new initiative to boost science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) mentoring in regional Queensland. Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the Industry Mentoring Network in STEM (IMNIS) initiative would strengthen industry research connections and collaboration in regional Queensland. “Promoting STEM education is a passion of mine … Continue reading Federal government launches STEM initiative in Queensland →

Three primary schools and four secondary schools in Western Australia have been named as finalists in the 2019 Governor’s School STEM Awards. Now in its fifth year, the Governor’s School STEM Awards recognise excellence in delivering an innovative, engaging and whole-of-school approach to science, technology, engineering and maths education. The schools named as finalists have … Continue reading Finalists announced for WA Governor’s School STEM Awards →

Swinburne University of Technology is transforming its STEM education programs, integrating practice, innovation and entrepreneurship across science, engineering and technology. The new model, which is to be instituted from 2021, will build on Swinburne’s Engineering Practice Academy, which was developed with the aim of delivering a new approach to engineering learning, putting practice-based learning at … Continue reading Swinburne University to transform STEM programs by 2021 →

The professional association for Australia’s technology sector, ACS, has launched a report highlighting skills shortages in the technology sector, with an additional 100,000 workers reportedly needed by 2024. The 2019 ACS Australia’s Digital Pulse report outlines a number of policy priorities for recommended implementation to assist the growth of Australia’s digital economy and meet the … Continue reading ACS report highlights skills shortage in tech sector →

A Northern Territory-based science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) program, the sySTEMic Collaboration, has been recognised at the national level after taking out the award for Best STEM Program at the 2019 Australian Education Awards. The sySTEMic Collaboration, created in response to the Engineers Make Things Happen Report of 2017, is an initiative that seeks … Continue reading Northern Territory STEM education program recognised with award →

Ten teams of businesses, students and graduates will compete in the The National Innovation Games launched on the Gold Coast this week. Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said ten teams of businesses, students and graduates will put their minds to the test in the competition, which fosters creative thinking and collaboration. Federal … Continue reading Innovation Games begin on the Gold Coast →

This year, National Science Week is being celebrated with more than 1,900 registered events across Australia. National Science Week events will be held in museums, libraries, galleries, research institutions, schools, universities, parks and even shopping centres. Hundreds of schools and workplaces will also be holding ‘Brain Break’ science-themed morning teas. NASA scientists and Nobel Laureates … Continue reading Importance of STEM skills highlighted during National Science Week →

Over 140 Year 9 girls attended an intensive three-day science and innovation program at Flinders University. The Flinders University STEM Enrichment Academy conference featured a schedule of hands-on workshops, tours, industry talks and round-table discussions aimed at inspiring girls towards STEM journeys. The program featured leaders in industry and academia who eagerly gave their time … Continue reading School students engage with STEM at Flinders University →

Western Australia’s primary and secondary schools have been encouraged to apply for the 2019 Governor’s School STEM Awards, which recognise outstanding whole-of-school STEM education. The awards are part of the Western Australian government’s stated goal of increasing STEM participation in WA schools and encourages schools to integrate STEM across the curriculum. In particular, the awards … Continue reading Applications open for WA Governor’s School STEM Awards →

The reappointment of Karen Andrews as federal minister for industry, science and technology in the Morrison cabinet has been welcomed by sectors of Australia’s science and technology community. Andrews was first appointed to the role in August last year after Morrison became prime minister. Morrison announced Andrews would continue in her ministerial role in the … Continue reading Karen Andrews’ ministerial reappointment welcomed by STEM sector →

The Western Australian government has launched a new science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills strategy. The strategy, which was an election commitment for the McGowan government, was developed by a panel made up of industry experts, researchers and educators, and chaired by WA’s Chief Scientist, Professor Peter Klinken. Called “Future Jobs, Future Skills: Driving … Continue reading WA government launches STEM strategy →

Federal Labor Senator Kim Carr has announced that he will not renominate as Shadow Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, ending a two-decade stint on the frontbench in both government and opposition. Carr has been on Labor’s frontbench since 1996, serving much of that time as the party’s spokesperson for industry, science and research. … Continue reading Labor’s Kim Carr stands down from Opposition frontbench →

Students in West Gippsland studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects are now able to use new facilities funded by the Victorian government. Minister for Education James Merlino today visited for a tour of the school’s $4.5 million new facilities and to see the recently completed $5.8 million STEM Centre at nearby Warragul Regional … Continue reading New STEM facilities for West Gippsland students →

The federal Labor opposition has committed helping deliver a $40 million SkillsTech TAFE campus at North Lakes in Queensland. The Queensland government has welcomed the sign of support. State training and skills minister Shannon Fentiman said the $40 million trades training centre at TAFE North Lakes would provide industry-standard skills for the electrotechnology, construction, engineering … Continue reading Labor commits funding for new high-tech TAFE campus in QLD →

Science & Technology Australia (STA) has announced that 60 senior women leaders from a range of industries, sectors and backgrounds will join its Superstars of STEM program as mentors. STA’s Superstars of STEM program seeks to change perceptions about scientific careers by supporting women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with the skills, opportunities … Continue reading Sixty industry leaders to join Superstars of STEM program →

Designs for the $3 million refurbishment of the STEM Centre at Newton Moore Senior High School have been unveiled by the Queensland government. The works will see an expanded range of STEM activities for students and a dedicated room for staff collaboration. Class activities will include coding, designing and building prototypes such as solar cars, … Continue reading Plans outlined for Queensland high school STEM centre →

The federal government has launched a new program that aims at lessening gender inequity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) sectors in Australia. The Advancing Women in STEM strategy responds to issues outlined in the the Decadal Plan of Women in STEM, which provided a roadmap for sustained increases in women’s participation in the … Continue reading Federal government launches new women in STEM strategy →

An education in STEM needn’t be seen as narrowing career path options. BOC’s Edith Butterfield talks about how having an inquisitive mind has helped her adapt to her many roles in the company. These days, it is considered highly unusual for younger members of the workforce to stay within one industry for longer than a … Continue reading Growing skills on the job and taking STEM in a different direction →

The Morrison government’s 2019-20 Budget contains some mixed news for Australia’s science and technology sector, providing boosted funding for women in STEM and the nation’s space sector alongside cuts to several research agencies and programs. $3.4 million in new funding will support women in STEM, and includes investment in the Science in Australia Gender Equity … Continue reading Budget a mixed bag for science and technology sector →