Engaging the future of STEM: a study of international best practice for promoting the participation of young people, particularly girls, in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM)

In this report, the authors note that Australia is not producing enough people with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills to meet the growing demand. Part of the problem lies with the STEM pipeline: the number of young Australians choosing STEM subjects in high school is in decline. In addition, there is a significant gender disparity in STEM in Australia, with females significantly under-represented in STEM education and careers. The research investigated and observed activities in other countries being driven by particular stakeholder areas, which play a key role in the STEM ecosystem: government, peak organisations, the STEM industry, tertiary education providers, STEM outreach groups and organisations, and early childhood, primary and secondary education. The report presents international best practice for promoting the participation of young people, particularly girls, in STEM fields during their education and career. The research also looked at how STEM industries communicate their workforce needs for the future to young people, and to the key influencers of young people.

The countries visited included: Finland, Germany, Singapore, England, the US and New Zealand. From the observations of best practice in STEM internationally, a collection of perspectives for promoting engagement in STEM has been derived. From this, a vision for a thriving STEM nation has been compiled along with key actions that have been determined as pivotal points to drive positive change in the Australian national STEM ecosystem.

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