STEM outreach: inspiring high-school girls to pursue careers in science and technology

AARNet is much more than fibre, routers and switches. Our networking infrastructure enables access to content, resources and people, which delivers new experiences, fosters collaborations and builds like-minded interdisciplinary communities striving to make a difference.

Research and education communities connected to AARNet, including the nation’s universities, CSIRO and GLAMs (Galleries, Libraries, Archives & Museums) are involved in myriad innovative STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) outreach programs to encourage more high school students to pursue studies and careers in science and technology.

In support of these programs we are featuring a series of stories about them here on our News blog and sharing this info with our community of AARNet-connected K-12 schools.

Maritime Museum and UNSW team up to host Women in Science Symposium

With the current research indicating a trend for young female students to opt out of science in the senior secondary years, two institutions in the AARNet community, the Australian National Maritime Museum and the University of New South Wales, have joined forces to host a Women in Science Symposium. The aim is to encourage high school girls to look beyond the lab coats and see the possibilities for scientific careers.

UNSW’s Science 50:50 program

The Symposium, to be held at the Australian Maritime Museum on Friday 6 March 2015, will also play host to the Sydney launch of UNSW’s Science 50:50 program with panellists from industry meeting together to discuss internships, mentoring pathways, networks and competitions for women in science. Remote participation via video conference is also available for those who cannot make it in person.

Science 50:50 is a program that aims to inspire young women to pursue degrees and careers in science and technology so they can succeed in an innovation-driven future.

More information

Find out more about the Women in Science Symposium

Find out more about UNSW’s Science 50:50 program

Please contact us if you would like to share information about your insitution’s STEM outreach program.