New constellation of Superstars of STEM discovered in Australia

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, the Hon Karen Andrews MP, has named 60 Superstars of STEM following selection of some of Australia’s most inspiring scientists, technologists and educators. Three Indian-origin women scientists namely Asha Rao, Onisha Patel and Devika Kamath, are among the  Superstars of STEM.

The women will smash gender stereotypes by being public examples of the diverse range of people working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and being role models to encourage girls to consider a career in STEM.

Professor Emma Johnston AO, President of Science & Technology Australia, said the women would no longer be hiding their scientific superpowers, and would share them with as many Australians as possible following the launch.

“Each Superstar will connect with hundreds of school children; feature in local, national and international media; and serve as a representative for their work, their discipline and their sector,” Professor Johnston said.

STA CEO Ms Kylie Walker answers pertinent questions:

What important role do international scientists play in the scientific research conducted here in Australia?

If Australia is to become a leader in scientific and technological research, we need to attract and retain the best, most capable people to conduct this work. We have many inspiring scientists and technologists in Australia, and a growing awareness of the great value of working with a diversity of voices and perspectives. When we bring together collaborators and partners from around the world to tackle some of the big issues in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) – a changing climate, antibiotic resistance, energy, national security, the nutrition, water and health needs of a growing population – we are more likely to devise solutions that have benefits which extend well beyond Australia’s borders.

Tell us about the importance of diverse voices being heard from women in STEM.

The challenges to women in STEM are strong but not insurmountable. Only 21% of senior positions in Australian science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are held by women. This lack of representation at the highest level is compounded by a dearth of publicly visible female role models speaking about their work in and love of STEM: only about 20% of those talking about science in the mainstream media are women. These statistics become even more concerning when you begin to look at women with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, from different age groups, and from the LGBTQI+ community. Science & Technology Australia is proud to work with a diverse representation of women through our Superstars of STEM program: together, the participants represent the breadth of unique and passionate individuals who make up our science and technology workforce. Our hope is that through the program all young Australians, including young girls, will see and hear from role models who they can relate to and aspire to be – they are the future cancer researchers, chemists and ecologists who will build a better future for the world.