Science & Technology Australia

Sixty stellar scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians were officially announced today as Australia’s new Superstars of STEM by the Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic MP. The new Superstars highlight the strong diversity of women and non-binary people in Australian science and technology – including 3 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander superstar scientists, 14 from regional Australia, and Superstars from a constellation of economic, social and cultural backgrounds. They are drawn from every state and territory around the country. Among the Superstars 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 mathematician using numbers to tackle violence against women, and an engineer using light and high frequency tech to detect hidden dangers from cancer to concealed weapons. Over the next two years, the Superstars will undergo intensive training and skills development 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. Read more about the newest #SuperstarsOfSTEM: https://lnkd.in/gpg-BkiQ

 🌏 The science of solutions: Climate and environment action for Australia’s future. 🌏 As we head towards the 2025 Federal election, Science & Technology Australia is calling for transformative policies to safeguard our planet while building a thriving, resilient economy. Our recently released 2025 Federal Election Priorities highlights science as the solutions sector. From accelerating clean energy breakthroughs to preparing for climate adaptation, science and technology hold the keys to solving our biggest environmental challenges. Key climate and environment priorities we are advocating for include: ✅  Establishing a new Climate Research and Services Agency to advance cutting-edge research and deliver actionable insights across government, industry, and communities. ✅  Protecting biodiversity and building national resilience through seeking to ensure all policy decisions are science-backed. ✅  Doubling down on investments in renewable energy technologies, advanced manufacturing, and supply chains to position Australia as a global leader in clean-tech innovation. ✅  Establish a translation fund to progress environmental and social benefit by supporting research and program implementation or scale-up to deliver long-term, e.g. environmental protection measures. ✅  Ensure stability and security of Australia's critical research infrastructure - including facilities like TERN, IMOS, National SeaSim and the Marine National Facility - to support world-leading Australian research. We believe the solutions we need for our future health, wealth, and environment depend on prioritising research, innovation, and STEM expertise. By committing to bold R&D targets—like reaching 3% of GDP by 2035—we can lead the world in science-driven climate solutions while creating high-skill jobs. Let’s ensure science is at the heart of Australia’s next chapter. Together, we can shape a future that is not only sustainable but prosperous for all Australians.  🔗 Learn more about STA’s federal election priorities: https://lnkd.in/gbb2Fi8X

Huge congratulations to our very own Dr Melanie McGrath, who has been chosen as a Superstar of STEM by Science & Technology Australia! 👏 As a social psychological researcher in CSIRO’s Data61, Melanie explores the vital role of human trust in collaborative intelligence systems. Her work ensures humans and machines can complement each other’s strengths. Superstars of STEM empowers 60 trailblazers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to become role models to challenge gender assumptions about who can work in STEM. We chatted to Melanie about her nomination and advice for early career researchers here: https://bit.ly/4gFMXhM Congratulations, Melanie! 🚀 #WomeninSTEM #womeninscience

**#MinExCRC PROJECT LEADER Helen McFarlane NAMED AS ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S NEWEST SUPERSTARS OF STEM** Congratulations to our #MinExCRC Project Leader, Helen McFarlane, who was selected by Science & Technology Australia as one of their 2025 #SuperstarsofSTEM. Science & Technology Australia Deputy CEO and Superstars of STEM Program Manager Dr Sandra Gardam said the program was powerfully changing public perceptions of scientists in the media. “We know it’s really hard to be what you can’t see,” she said. “This world-leading program is smashing stereotypes of what a scientist, technologist, engineer or mathematician looks like.” “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.” “The need to inspire diverse young minds into the science, technology, engineering and mathematics sector is urgent,” she said.  “Careers in STEM are predicted to grow by at least 14% in coming years – more than twice the rate of non-STEM jobs. The country needs a STEM-trained workforce to meet this need, and the Superstars of STEM will play a vital role in inspiring young people into those science and technology careers.” Congratulations, Helen. You're an exceptional addition to #MinExCRC, and we are proud to have you on our team. Learn more about the #SuperstarsofSTEM program here: https://lnkd.in/gpg-BkiQ Andrew Bailey David Giles Soren Soe Yulia Uvarova GAICD Anthony Budd Caroline Tiddy Michael McGilvray Cameron Jackson

Huge congratulations to Dr Meredith Castles and Dr Jane Younger who have been selected for the 2025 Superstars of STEM program! Run by Science & Technology Australia, the program equips participants with advanced skills in communication, media engagement, and public speaking, inspiring a new generation of scientists and innovators. Dr Angela Castles, Acting Executive Dean of the College of Sciences and Engineering, said programs like Superstars of STEM highlight the importance of investing in STEM education and research. “Supporting leaders like Meredith and Jane reflects our commitment to building a strong STEM future for Tasmania.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/gNDkeHHv

🌟 Meet Fatematuz Zohora, a Superstar of STEM 🌟 Fatematuz Zohora, who goes by Zohora, is an Acoustic Consultant in our Property team. She has been accepted into Superstars of STEM, a game-changing program smashing gender assumptions about who can work in science, technology, engineering and maths. Find out how Zohora is eliminating barriers and stereotypes within the STEM community: https://lnkd.in/g-ftknGH #SuperstarsOfSTEM #STEM #Engineering #WomenInEngineering #DiversityAndInclusion #Acoustics #WeAreWSP Science & Technology Australia

Science & Technology Australia welcomes the Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic MP’s announcement that the Government will start work on developing an AI Capability Plan for the nation. AI has already changed – and will continue to change – the very nature of how research is done and push the boundaries of Australia’s research capabilities across all STEM disciplines, from creating new health treatments to environment and biodiversity monitoring. A robust strategy will help ensure we leverage the opportunities AI can deliver keep up with competitor countries and maintain our competitive edge in global R&D and the global economy - not just protect / constrain us from the fears of AI. This will protect and build the jobs of the future, economy-wide.   We must build sovereign capability to deliver AI solutions that specific to the Australian context, and work for all Australian people. The proposed areas the Capability Plan will address – growing investment in AI, strengthening AI capability across our research sector and leveraging areas of comparative advantage, boosting AI skills and literacy across the workforce and securing AI sovereign capabilities for economic advantage and social benefit – will deliver a comprehensive plan for the national benefit.    STA has consistently called for the Government to invest in developing Australia’s AI sovereign capability – developing this Capability Plan is a solid first step towards this, and we look forward to working with the Government throughout the consultation period.    “AI is here to stay – and it’s only going to get more and more powerful. It’s changing the way we learn, work and do research in Australia, so it’s imperative we have a solid plan for how to get maximum leverage and benefit for the nation, and also manage any risks.” said STA CEO, Mr Ryan Winn “I congratulate the Minister for previous work on AI regulation, work to boost AI literacy and skills, and now this next critical piece of work, to build Australia’s AI capability and secure our future in an AI-driven world.” The Minister's announcement can be found at https://lnkd.in/gT2rB_DU =

Earlier this week, 60 stellar scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians were officially announced as Australia’s new Superstars of STEM by the Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic MP. CONGRATULATIONS to 2023 WA Women’s Hall of Fame Inductee Dr Hema Wadhwa who was named as one of the 60 new superstars.   Originally from India, Hema has a varied professional background that encompasses academic research, engineering, innovation, and leadership. She is driven for development of the Energy industry and is dedicated to creating practical solutions that boost efficiency and safety. Her passion for this field is evident in her work for positive impact and is currently a renewable energy leader at Worley, You can read more in The Australia Today story https://lnkd.in/g9WNmgAF Science & Technology Australia Photographer: Maja Baska

Three University of Sydney experts have been named as Superstars of STEM in recognition of their research and science outreach 👏 Congratulations to Dr Kenya Fernandes, Dr Rebecca Thistlethwaite and Rebecca Halligan on being named Superstars of STEM by the Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic MP. Superstars of STEM is a highly competitive program run by Science & Technology Australia that increases the visibility of women and non-binary people in STEM by preparing them for media and public speaking opportunities, both to further their own careers and champion STEM fields to future generations. Read more about our Science Superstars: https://lnkd.in/gGXy5RA9 #LeadershipForGood #USYD #STEM

The 2025 Superstars of STEM have been announced by Science and Technology Australia, spotlighting 60 women and non-binary professionals across the nation’s STEM landscape. These individuals represent the diversity, ingenuity, and brilliance that defines Australia’s STEM community. Among the 2025 cohort, we are proud to celebrate Dr Angeline Achariya, an AIFST Board Member, has been recognised for her outstanding contributions to becoming a role model for the next generation of STEM stars. The #SuperstarsOfSTEM program is breaking stereotypes, redefining what it means to "belong" in STEM, and inspiring the next generation of innovators. Angeline comments - “Are you a cook? A question I get asked when I mention that I studied Food Science and Technology, and it frustrates me. It fuels in me a passion to smash assumptions about the role science and technology plays in such a critical need – feeding us all. From studying food science to leading industry innovation teams globally, senior executive roles and now non-executive director roles, I have been actively driving my career progression and growth, showing how scientists can work across the intersection of industry, research and government.” You can read more about the 2025 cohort and their stories at https://lnkd.in/gpjDTDj2 Congratulations Angeline! 🎉 #STEM #superstarsofstem #AIFST #FoodScience Science & Technology Australia Angeline Achariya FTSE GAICD FAIFST Superstar of STEM Michael Depalo Marc Barnes Gregory Harper Anna Barlow GAICD Heather Haines Innovation Gamechangers