More than 250 of Australia’s brightest young science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) problem-solvers will put their skills to the test at the final of the National Science and Engineering Challenge at Australian Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday.
The National Science and Engineering Challenge is Australia’s leading STEM outreach program, inspiring young people to explore STEM careers through hands-on learning presented by the University of Newcastle in partnership with communities, Rotary clubs, universities and event sponsors.
Held for the first time in Parliament House, the National Final will bring the top scoring school students from each of the nation’s states and territories along with a local wild card, who have all earned their place to compete through exceptional performances during regional and state competitions.
Minister for Education, the Hon Jason Clare MP will give an opening address at the event about the importance of STEM education.
“More of our future jobs will require STEM skills, but this is about more than that,” Minister Clare said.
“We want more young people to find that spark and that love of learning and discovery that will help create the next generation of scientists, engineers and mathematicians.”
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said he is looking forward to welcoming students to the final.
“These students are the future of our STEM workforce, and this is where many of them get inspired to think they could be engineers, scientists or mathematicians,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“For more than 25 years, the National Science and Engineering Challenge has opened doors for students in regional and remote communities who might never otherwise see themselves in STEM. Bringing the National Final to Parliament House for the first time puts those students on the biggest stage in the country.
“You can’t fake a good idea when you’re building something under pressure. These students have earned their place by working as a team to solve real problems, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with in Parliament House.”
Recently, the National Science and Engineering Challenge team visited a school more than 420km south-west of Darwin in the remote Aboriginal community of Wadeye, and explored firsthand how culture, community and STEM can work together to shape future opportunities.
That same community spirit is on show in Alice Springs, where one school has rallied to make the trip to Canberra possible.
Teacher at St Philips Christian College, Alice Springs Linda Tsai said their students have started a local fundraiser to help fulfill their hopes of being crowned national champions.
“Our students are beyond excited to be attending the event, we have all loved participating in the local competitions since it first started and have really benefited from the innovative challenges and activities designed by the University of Newcastle. We’re very grateful,” Ms Tsai said.
“They’ve been proactive in championing the experience themselves, we have actually qualified for the challenge for quite a few times but haven’t been able to attend due to the financial cost of travelling interstate from a remote area.
“Once we knew the excursion could go ahead, we had limited time for major fundraising, but our students quickly organised a couple of successful fundraisers. The Alice Springs community was incredibly supportive – which is what is so special about this town – and three of our girls were even invited to share their experience on ABC Alice Springs radio.”
The National Challenge final is sponsored by Lockheed Martin Australian, Engineers Australia, CEA Technologies, BAE Systems Australia and ACT Government Infrastructure Canberra.
