Science and Technology Australia has launched a national search for a government-funded STEM Superstars constellation to raise the profile of women in science and technology and increase gender equity.
The program is open to women and non-binary STEM professionals, 60 more will be selected in this round. Since 2017, he has mentored 150 superstars, including Nicole Russo, product director at Spacetech startup Mariota.
Science and Technology Australia chief executive Misha Schubert said the program had helped a range of young Australians see themselves in science and technology careers.
“It’s hard to be what you can’t see. “Amazers make up half of Australia’s population – but they are seriously underrepresented in STEM careers and leadership, and at last count, only one in three professionals talking about science in the media are women,” she said.
“To fix visibility challenges, we need to create more diverse role models who are household names regularly featured in the media by scientific experts and authorities.”
Minister of Industry and Science Ed Husich said the government is committed. Helping programs that help women in STEM develop the ability to confidently communicate their research and gain recognition for their work.
“Australia needs to draw on the full diversity of our talent pool to deliver the next big science and technology breakthroughs and advance STEM gender equity,” he said.
STEM superstar Dr. Keith Rowe, a STEM research leader with the Defense Science and Technology Group (DSTG) at the Department of Defence, spoke of exemplary cases.
“In its first few years, the STEM Superstars program has begun to strongly raise the visibility of Australian women in science,” she said.
“It shows how building a media profile can cost a job, help secure leadership roles.”
The next 60 STEM superstars will participate in the program for two years starting in January 2023. Application details are here and close on Sunday 14th August.
