Professionals at any stage of their career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) living anywhere in Australia are encouraged to apply for the specialist communications course.

“Previous participants in the ‘Superstars of STEM’ program have gone on to be strong media commentators, appearing regularly on TV and in radio,” program manager Dr Sandra Gardam said.

“Some people have authored books, both for children and for adults.

“We also have social media influencers who have gone on to have huge followings, people who have started their own podcasts, all sorts of amazing things.”

Gardam said it’s crucial experts have communication skills needed to fight misinformation online.

“It’s really important to have voices that have evidence behind them so we can combat some of the misinformation that is out there that can and does bring damage to people,” she said.

Some 210 professionals have completed the course since 2017, run by peak body Science and Technology Australia representing about 225,000 scientists and technologists.

The program is funded by the Federal Government with support from Google and the Department of Defence.

Participants also visit schools to encourage more students to pursue STEM pathways.

Girls in Years 6 to 8 are less likely than boys to choose STEM elective subjects, while girls who go on to higher education are less likely to choose the field, according to STEM Equity Monitor data released in July.

The table above shows girls’ confidence in STEM subjects at different ages. (Source: STEM Equity Monitor)

Gardam said when many people think of an engineer they picture a man in a high-vis vest, but it’s important young people see how varied STEM can be and that experts come in all forms.

“They might not see themselves in a STEM career, or they might not believe that they have the skills to study science or maths, so we want to dispel that myth,” she said.

Australia continues to face a STEM crisis, with school students’ results in maths and science stagnating or declining compared to our international counterparts, and less than 10 per cent of students studying higher level maths.

Nationally, women make up only 37 per cent of enrolments in university STEM courses, and only 15 per cent of STEM-qualified jobs are held by women.

University of South Australia (UniSA) academic Maria Vieira has been researching how creativity plays a key role in engaging students in STEM subjects, not only motivating them to continue their studies in this critical area, but positively influencing STEM career choices beyond school.

In trying to understand what are the best teaching approaches to develop this creative confidence in the classroom, she says a key solution could be to explore the altruistic values of STEM.

“One of the reasons why we have so many women in the health industry, for example, is the fact that it’s very clear for them how they can help people,” she explained to EducationHQ.

Water engineer Dr Jessica Bohorquez says the program has given her opportunities to become a recognised media expert and opened doors for her professionally.

“We know that for girls and women, it’s important for them to see some altruistic value in their career choice and this is not often explored in STEM, unfortunately.

“And so [it’s about] exploring that specifically in fields where this is less obvious, like engineering and technology. Emphasising how those fields are helping people is really important, and obviously connecting that to real world problems really helps in that process.”

Vieira says social interaction is another important point, a key focus area of work being done by independent program providers like Girl Geek Academy.

“Helping girls to build those social connections and reframing their understanding that scientists are not people that work in isolation in a lab and don’t talk to other people, that’s not true. We know it’s not true,” Vieira said.

“And those social connections should be stimulated to create this safe space for them. So trying to think of activities and learning approaches that connect girls to other girls from different schools, different year levels, and allowing those social interactions to happen.”

The Superstars of STEM course has helped water systems engineer Dr Jessica Bohorquez build confidence as a media commentator and prompted her to start her own podcast.

“The program has given me opportunities to become a recognised media expert and opened doors for me professionally,” Bohorquez said.

All women and non-binary professionals are encouraged to apply, including people in regional areas, those already in leadership positions and private sector workers.

Applications open on Monday and close on September 1.

(with AAP)