Supporting female superstars of STEM

Applications are now open for Science & Technology Australia’s (STA) Superstars of STEM program — an ambitious new initiative to elevate the profiles of Australian women working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The program will train and support 30 female STEM professionals to become prominent role models for young women and girls, developing the skills to share their work with the public via social media, public speaking and as spokespeople in the media. Participants will also be given the opportunity to speak with schools, connect with mentors and attend events promoting gender equity in science and technology around Australia.

The program aims to smash existing gender stereotypes, said STA CEO Kylie Walker, and to make a career in STEM a more attractive and achievable option for young Australian women and girls.

“Girls pick up an interest in science in primary school but this drops off around the age of 15,” Walker said.

“One of the main reasons this happens is a lack of publicly visible female role models in science, technology, engineering and maths. As the saying goes: if you can’t see it, you can’t be it. That’s why we’re working through Superstars of STEM to improve the visibility of brilliant Australian women scientists and technologists.”

Program Ambassador and Renowned astronomer Dr Lisa Harvey-Smith, an ambassador for the program, said she understands the value in having scientists who know how to communicate their work, having last year won the Eureka Prize for Public Understanding of Australian Science Research for her work on the stage and screen.

“This program will take already brilliant scientists and give them the skills and confidence to go out into the world and talk about their research and the positive impacts it has on our nation,” she said.

“I am thrilled to be playing a part in rolling out this program and urge women of all ages, backgrounds, disciplines and career stages to apply!”

Superstars of STEM is supported through the Australian Government’s Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship program, and will be delivered in partnership with the Australian Science Media Centre and Women in STEMM Australia. Applications will be accepted until 23 May and can be submitted via https://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/superstars.