News

As South Australia increases its economic complexity, we will need more people with skills in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM).

To meet these demands, we must enable all South Australians to participate in our economy and society to their full potential, regardless of their background. And we must also ensure that every member of the community is empowered to pursue a meaningful career in future-focused industries.

In a fast-paced society that often only sees conspicuous achievements, the necessarily exacting nature of science and research can recede into the background. By making science more visible to the community, science becomes more real – and a more compelling career option – for more people.

The Inspiring South Australia program is delivered in collaboration with South Australia’s three public universities and the Department of State Development.

$370,000 from the South Australian Government’s Research and Innovation Fund (RIF) will continue the Inspiring SA program for another four years, building on its achievements over the years:

• Science for All– delivering National Science Week in South Australia as well as a range of targeted science engagement and communication activities with under-represented groups, including First Nations people, regional and remote residents, low socio-economic communities, LGBTQIA+ people, women and girls, and people with disabilities.
• Partnering for a Better Future – building collaborative relationships with industry, government and academic partners to leverage the state’s science knowledge collective
• Science and Me – the Be Curious television series, exploring groundbreaking science and trailblazing technology, with each episode featuring interviews with scientists, researchers and innovators from MOD at UniSA, the SA Museum, and the Australian Space Discovery Centre.

Inspiring SA is at the grassroots level of the STEMM ecosystem, communicating to young people, their parents, and disadvantaged, under-represented audiences about the importance of science, and helping to inspire young people into STEMM pathways.

These activities will be critical to cultivating a future STEMM workforce, which will help to drive long-term economic, social, health and environmental benefits for South Australia.