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An astrophysicist advocating for dark skies and the co-founder of a space diversity initiative are among 60 industry figures who will be trained to become high-profile “Superstars of STEM”.
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The program aims to raise the profile of female professionals and has already delivered media training to 270 people since its launch in 2017. It is backed by Defence, the Department of Science, and Google, and is overseen by Science & Technology Australia.
Virgin Australia’s Anntonette Dailey, one of the lucky 60, co-founded the Australian Space Diversity Alliance. ASDA was launched last year and aims to support senior leaders and minimise the barriers that marginalised groups face.
Another figure selected, Krystal De Napoli, is an astrophysicist, science communicator, educator and author.
“To understand outer space more deeply than what the observations of the night sky in my hometown could provide drove me to pursue a career in astrophysics and education,” she said.
“Since then, I have become an award-winning science communicator, author and astrophysicist who gets to connect with audiences around the world about STEM across radio, television and print media platforms.
“As a Gomeroi woman, I am guided by my responsibility to care for country. I advocate passionately for dark skies to sustain ecological health and educate the public on measures we can take to fight species extinction as a Zoos Victoria educator.”
The new group of picks are experts in various STEM fields and will join the program in 2025 and 2026.
“Representing the diversity of Australians, the cohort includes superstars from regional areas, those with First Nations heritage, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community,” Science & Technology Australia said.
Dr Rebecca Davies, another pick, is also an astrophysicist at Swinburne University of Technology and has won time on the James Webb Space Telescope.
“My research focuses on understanding how galaxies formed and grew into the spectacular structures we see today. Galaxies change very slowly, over billions of years, so we can’t watch them grow directly,” she said.
“Instead, we use big telescopes to look back in time and see what galaxies were like at different times in our universe’s history.
“By comparing these observations with predictions from computer models, we can improve our understanding of the physical laws of the universe.”
Superstars of STEM program manager Sandra Gardam previously 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,” Gardam said.
“Seeing someone that looks or sounds like you can powerfully promote science and technology careers to young Australians. 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.”
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 the engagement of 64,000 children.
