STA announces new Superstars of STEM, next President

A new group of stellar scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians have been announced as Australia’s next Superstars of STEM by Science & Technology Australia (STA) and the Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic.

Superstars of STEM is an initiative of STA that is funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources. Through a highly competitive selection process, the program selects 60 women and non-binary STEM experts and puts them through a two-year training and skills development program 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.

Among the latest Superstars — who are drawn from a variety of economic, social and cultural backgrounds, from every state and territory around the country — 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 palaeontologist who has discovered two new species of flying dinosaurs; and an engineer using light and high-frequency tech to detect hidden dangers from cancer to concealed weapons.

“This world-leading program is smashing stereotypes of what a scientist, technologist, engineer or mathematician looks like,” said Dr Sandra Gardam, Superstars of STEM Program Manager and Deputy CEO of STA.

“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.”

STA CEO Ryan Winn added, “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.”

News of the new Superstars comes just weeks after STA announced the appointment of ocean governance expert Jas Chambers as its new President-elect. Chambers, who currently serves as Vice-President of STA, will officially take over as President at the organisation’s next annual general meeting in November 2025.

Chambers is known for working at the intersection of science and technology, governance, policy and international diplomacy, as well as in complex stakeholder environments. She is the Chair and co-founder of Ocean Decade Australia and has worked in numerous senior STEM leadership roles, including chairing the NSW Executive Committee for National Science Week and Inspiring Australia since 2012.

Outgoing STA President Professor Sharath Sriram congratulated Chambers on her appointment.

“Jas is a leading advocate for science, recognised in Australia and internationally for her leadership in marine science and oceanography,” he said.

“She is an experienced leader with a portfolio career that has covered public service, higher education, governance and mission-driven non-profit activities.

“Jas has been a strong contributor to Science & Technology Australia as a board member. She served as the Governance Chair during the modernisation of STA’s operations and structure. Her election as President-elect creates the opportunity for her to deliver on the reforms [and to] grow the support for and amplification of the needs and priorities of our members.”