iscover
An initiative that aims to raise the profile of female STEM professionals has opened applications for this year’s cohort.
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
Submissions close on 1 September and the winners are set to be announced later this year.
Program manager Sandra Gardam said the program is fundamentally changing public perceptions of what a scientist looks like.
“The Superstars of STEM program powerfully drives diversity in science and technology and creates media stars from the program participants. Seeing someone that looks or sounds like you can powerfully promote science and technology careers to young Australians,” Gardam said.
“The program gives them the confidence and skills they need to share their expertise with the public through the media and has created many highly recognised science communicators.
“The Superstars of STEM are drawn from every part of the STEM sector, including the private sector, and at all stages of their careers and with different personal backgrounds and context. We are excited to see the incredible breadth of talent that will apply for this prestigious program.”
Since its inception, Science & Technology Australia estimates the program has led to 68 million people being reached in six months, more than 7,000 mentions and 64,000 children have been engaged.
Current Superstar of STEM, Dr Jessica Bohorquez, is a water systems engineer from consultancy Ricardo. She develops and designs water systems that prepare us for a future where water might become scarcer.
“Superstars of STEM has given me the skills, training and resources I need to build my confidence as a media commentator on water challenges,” Bohorquez said.
“Since starting the program I’ve had training in interview skills, using social media strategically, delivering public talks, and have even started my own podcast, Our Water Connection. The program has given me opportunities to become a recognised media expert and opened doors for me professionally – I strongly encourage the next generation of Superstars to apply.”
It comes after a new industry-wide group dedicated to promoting diversity in the space sector launched earlier this year with the support of the Australian Space Agency.
The Australian Space Diversity Alliance (ASDA) said it aims to support senior leaders and minimise the barriers that marginalised groups face.
A series of reports have shown the sector is lagging behind others regarding gender disparity, and alongside a talent shortage critics say can only be overcome with a more diverse intake.
The STEM Career Pathways report, for example, which can be read here, found only 58 per cent of women surveyed were on permanent full-time contracts, compared to 78 per cent of men.
