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The 12th Annual STEM Education Conference

29 – 30 July 2025 | PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney

BUY A PASS Register Your Interest

overview

In its 12th consecutive year, the esteemed STEM Education Conference is set to take place on 29th-30th July, 2025, in Sydney. As the leading education platform in Australia, we invite you to join our passionate speakers in sharing insights that will shape the future of STEM education.

In a time of remarkable technological progress and evolving career paths, this conference serves as a guiding light for Australia’s educators, policymakers, and industry leaders. It offers a platform to delve into the most recent strategies, innovations, and partnerships propelling STEM education into the future.

  • Gain valuable insights into how interdisciplinary collaboration enhances students’ readiness for future STEM careers and discover practical methods for incorporating these principles into educational settings.
  • Exploring the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, and their applications across various industries.
  • Fostering critical thinking skills by challenging students to analyse problems, develop hypotheses, and devise solutions using evidence-based reasoning and logic.
  • Encouraging creativity and innovation by providing opportunities for students to explore, experiment, and design solutions to real-world challenges.
  • What STEM in Australia looks like by improving diversity by engaging students in hands-on learning experiences.

Speakers

Melanie Hughes

Curriculum Specialist, Technologies, Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA)

Joe Blackwell

Coordinator of TAS and STEM, Officer Commanding PHSACU, Pittwater House

Alex Adams

Head Teacher CAPA/STEM, Ingleburn High School

Mary-Lou O’Brien

Director of Digital Innovation, Redlands

Shelley Wilson

Educator Programs Regional Leader NSW, Questacon – The National Science & Technology Centre

Adam Quinn

STEM Teacher, Condobolin High School

Petro Papazoglou

Head of STEM Education, Rise and Shine Education

Sharon Kent

Psychology, Science and Mathematics Teacher, Parafield Gardens High School

Teresa Janowski

Founder and CEO, STEM Fast Track

Gavin McLean

Head of Technologies, Burdekin Christian College

Ehab Gerges

STEM Coordinator, James Cook Boys’ Technology High School

Karen Taylor-Brown

Co-Founder and Publisher, Refraction Media

Suzana Djakovic

STEM Teacher, Wanniassa School ACT

Conor Flannery

Engineer, FSC Range

Nick Pattison

STEM Teacher, Orchard Park Primary School

Hannah Fenton

Senior School Design and Technology Teacher, Queenwood School

Heather Catchpole

Regional Manager, Educator Programs, Questacon – The National Science & Technology Centre

Andrew Draper

Head of Engineering@Q, Queenwood School

Broderick Matthews

Senior Manager, Educator Programs, Questacon – The National Science & Technology Centre

Fiona Donnelly

Deputy Principal, Granville Boys High School

Yunita Dyah

Senior Production Engineer, Harbour Energy Indonesia

Jasmine Fellows

Managing Editor, Careers with STEM

Doha Goreishi

Chemical Engineering and Commerce Student, UNSW

Anita Brant

STEM Outreach Manager, Griffith University

Dr Peter Wilson

STEM Teacher, One School Global; Research Associate, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, USA

Agenda

8:50 am

OPENING | Opening remarks from the Chair

Teresa Janowski, Founder and CEO, STEM Fast Track

RETHINKING STEM CURRICULUM AND LEARNING PATHWAYS

9:00 am

  • What does STEM learning look like in our contemporary world?
  • What are the impacts of AI on student engagement and skill development?
  • Opportunities and challenges for educators in the context of AI
  • Curriculum connections.

STRATEGIES FOR IMPACTFUL STEM TEACHING & LEARNING

9:30 am

  • Increase in student uptake of STEM subjects in Years 11 & 12
  • Growth in enrolments – families choosing our school for its STEM offerings and in-person learning opportunities.
  • Development of a clear progression in extracurricular STEM learning from Years 7–12
  • Cross-faculty collaboration – working with teachers from various disciplines to deliver engaging STEM activities.
  • Overview of current STEM initiatives and programs we are applying for and running at the school.

10:00 am

  • Understanding critical neural development from birth to age 6 and its implications for learning readiness.
  • Evidence-based insights on how early STEM engagement develops critical and creative thinking skills needed for future learning.
  • Exploring age-appropriate pedagogy and purpose-built spaces like STEM Orbit Hub to foster curiosity, logical reasoning and resilience.
  • Addressing systemic challenges in Primary School and demonstrating how early STEM questioning strategies evolve into advanced learning approaches.

10:30 am

Morning Tea & Networking Break

11:00 am

  • STEM Design challenges offer students a focused, one-hour burst of hands-on STEM experiences that encourage the practice of key strategies and vocabulary related to 21st Century Skills, Computational Thinking, and Design Thinking.
  • Each challenge uses resources that cost less than $20, making these activities both cost-effective and easy to implement in any classroom setting.
  • These short “sandpit” experiences are designed to spark curiosity and lay the foundation for deeper, long-term engagement with Project-Based Learning, helping students transition from quick challenges to more complex, sustained projects.

11:30 am

  • My experience and what I wish I knew – public school in Ireland to a Structural Engineer in the UK and Australia.
  • STEM engagement as an industry professional – what is it? Why is it important? And why is it so hard to get STEM Professional volunteers?
  • What schools or teachers can do to nurture curiosity, problem solving and STEM in the classroom.

12:00 pm

  • Clinical, action-oriented approach that empowers students to interpret early warning data, understand local risks, and apply STEM skills for real-world disaster preparedness.
  • Bridge resource gaps with adaptable, curriculum-aligned lessons that link environmental science, engineering, and data literacy.
  • Engage students through storytelling, Indigenous knowledge, and hands-on projects that inspire critical thinking, hope, and local environmental action.

12:40 pm

Lunch & Networking Break

SHAPING FUTURE STEM LEADERS: EMPOWERING STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS

1:40 pm

  • The Granbots program and how it’s fostering hands-on STEM learning and student engagement through robotics.
  • Insights into the Robotics Competition in May, including student preparation, innovation highlights, and opportunities for school community involvement.

2:10 pm

  • Strategies for upskilling teachers to deliver engaging, future-focused STEM education.
  • Addressing barriers to teacher confidence in STEM subjects, including maths and technology.
  • Professional learning models and resources that support continuous STEM development.
  • Creating a culture of collaboration and support within schools to strengthen STEM teaching

INCLUSIVE & ACCESSIBLE STEM EDUCATION

2:40 pm

  • School context and Lachlan Access Program (LAP): analysing rural delivery models, benefits and challenges of Stage 6 hybrid learning in remote settings.
  • Stage 6 problem-based learning implementation: student impact assessment, real-world applications, and AI-enhanced learning experiences.
  • Future development: Gulbanha Innovation Hub integration, STEM space creation, and industry partnerships for robotics programs.

3:10 pm

Afternoon Tea & Networking Break

3:40 pm

  • How to Build a sustainable, inclusive STEM culture from the ground up using real-world problems and everyday materials.
  • Embedding the Engineering Design Process, UDL, and PBL to ignite student curiosity and ownership.
  • Leveraging interdisciplinary, low-budget STEM experiences to promote critical thinking, teamwork, and creative resilience.

4:10 pm

  • Addressing systemic challenges in STEM accessibility.
  • Supporting neurodiverse and underrepresented students in STEM.
  • The role of policy and funding in equitable STEM education.

4:40 pm

END OF DAY ONE & CLOSING REMARKS | Networking Drinks

Teresa Janowski, Founder and CEO, STEM Fast Track

8:50 am

OPENING | Opening remarks from the Chair

Jasmine Fellows, Managing Editor, Careers with STEM

INNOVATION & INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS

9:00 am

  • Demonstrating how STEM Ambassadors empowered students by highlighting the real-world relevance of energy through unconventional, collaborative teaching methods.
  • An overview of the initiative’s structure, including stages of market funnelling, campaign development, data analysis, and outcomes.
  • Key insights from the study, particularly regarding the effectiveness of personalised communication in enhancing student engagement with STEM.

9:30 am

  • Career opportunities spanning renewable energy, sustainable technology, and climate solutions, with emphasis on engineering and data science roles.
  • Industry insights on how STEM skills enable Net Zero transition
  • Career pathways through university, industry placements and VET providers

10:00 am

  • Keys to schools successfully developing partnerships with industry.
  • Examples of partnerships and the process involved.
  • Research insights

10:30 am

Morning Tea & Networking Break

11:00 am

  • Building effective connections between STEM industries and teachers to enhance classroom learning.
  • Exploring how industry partnerships can provide real-world STEM opportunities for students.
  • 6 practical tips on Networking with Industry

11:40 am

12:10 pm

Lunch & Networking Break

STEM IN ACTION: EMPOWERING INNOVATION, LEARNING, AND REAL-WORLD IMPACT

1:10 pm

2:00 pm

  • Empowering students to apply STEM skills to solve local community challenges.
  • Building partnerships with local councils, businesses, and non-profits for project-based learning.
  • Developing student agency through service learning and place-based STEM initiatives

1:30 pm

  • Stage 5 Science of Design Program – DT-based engineering and coding with 5 years of proven implementation.
  • Year 8 Mandatory Arduino Coding Program – Pioneering coding education for 7 consecutive years.
  • Electric Car Project (QUTEProject.com) – Students rebuild and convert a derelict 1975 Suzuki Carry, a 3-year journey.
  • Engineering@Q Co-curricular Program – cost effective competitions, activities and clubs that work.

3:00 pm

  • Case Study: Exploring the success of the One School Global Initiative
  • Coordinating 45 extension students across 20 countries
  • Our published results in leading scientific journals

3:30 pm

END OF CONFERENCE & CLOSING REMARKS | Afternoon Tea

Karen Taylor-Brown, Co-Founder and Publisher, Refraction Media

Partners

Media Partner Event Partner

Pricing

Packages Price
Package(Two Days)$2895+GST
Packages Price
Package(Two Days)$1495+GST
Packages Price
Package(Two Days)$2495+GST

Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities

Form meaningful connections, generate quality leads and build brand awareness at Australia’s premier forum for educators, policy-makers and thought-leaders in STEM. Reach out to us directly today to discuss your business needs and receive tailored advice on how you can participate at the 11th Annual STEM Education Summit 2024.

For more information on sponsoring or exhibiting at this event, please contact:

Andrew Sinkovich
Sponsorship & Exhibition Manager
+61 2 9080 4080
[email protected]

Education Blog

The learning program that transformed Granville Boy School’s reputation
Ten years ago, Granville Boys High School in Sydney’s West was known to the public for all the wrong reasons. With low ATARs and a poor learning culture, the school regularly got a bad rap in the media…
Read more >>

What to consider before developing an educational AI tool
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Predicting demand for schools – insights from a demographer
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The main ingredient for teaching success
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The structure of Australian schooling needs to change – Prof. Adrian Piccoli
Read more >>

To read more of education blog pieces, click here

Testimonials

“Overall this was a great event, It allowed educators exposure to others educators innovative practices. Companies offer amazing products but very few (public) schools have the resourcing to foster the high end tech approach. It was great to see a range of other approaches.”
Paul Anderson, NT Schools

“Very well organised and run event with a collection of excellent speakers.”
Roy Anderson, Catholic Education NT

“A very informative professional learning experience, a must for anyone who would like to gain in-depth knowledge and insights into STEM pedagogy.”
Neroli Rose, Ebor Public School

“This event gave me insight into the wide range of resources that are available to support teachers in STEM.”
Anonymous

“This is not a trade show. You are not going to be sold a snake oil solution to STEM in a box. What you will do is engage in learning and networking with people who will inspire you.”
Michael Gowers, St Monica’s College

“Outstanding event with relevant information, Well Done.”
Adrian Rayner, Education Queensland

Event Code of Conduct

This code explains our expectations and rules, which includes general good practice behaviour – because actions can impact others and everyone has a role to play in getting it right.

Anyone not following these rules or behaving in an unacceptable way will be asked – and expected – to stop doing so immediately and may be removed from the event. Read our Event Code of Conduct here.

Sustainability

Our Commitment to Sustainability

In Australia, we are committed to running our events in an environmentally and socially responsible way. Across Informa Connect we are focusing on the short and long-term sustainability impacts we have on customers and colleagues alongside the communities we work in.

We recognise that it’s not just about the way we produce our events and products but recognising that we have a role to play in providing a space to work in partnership together with our markets to inspire the sustainable development of the industries we serve.

To read more on our latest sustainability reports and Faster Forward initiatives – click here.

ConnectMe

ConnectMe: Networking enhanced!

All our events utilise a bespoke dynamic smartphone app called ConnectMe, guaranteeing you a premium event experience. Logins are sent prior to the conference commencement allowing you to see who’s attending, schedule in meetings and catch ups, participate in live Q+A and interactive polls, and much more. The ConnectMe App ensures you never miss a beat prior, during and post event.

when & where

29 - 30 Jul 2025

PARKROYAL Darling Harbour
150 Day St, Sydney NSW 2000
(02) 9261 1188

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION RATE
The PARKROYAL Darling Harbour are pleased to offer a special event rate* of 10% off their Best Available Rate for accommodation and breakfast for attendees.
To book this rate, click here.

* Room availability and rates are subject to availability. Book early to avoid disappointment.

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contact

Still have a question?

General Information & Registration
Customer Service
+61 2 9080 4307
[email protected]

Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities
Andrew Sinkovich
Sponsorship & Exhibition Manager
+61 2 9080 4080
[email protected]

Marketing & Media Enquiries
Libbie Sinclair
Marketing Manager
[email protected]

Speaking Enquiries
Vanessa Arnaoutis
Conference Manager
+61 429 055 521
[email protected]

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