The Albanese Government is continuing to back Australian science and awarding 22 community engagement grants for young people totalling almost $2 million.

Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic, said the Maker Projects – Community science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) engagement grants aim to foster creativity and inquiry-based learning for young people.

“An early interest in science and technology can create the pathway towards a long-term STEM job that can make a difference in our country,” Minister Husic said.

“We need to think ahead about what will create jobs in our economy, backing young talent here is an important part in that.

“The Albanese government is committed to widening the pipeline of Australian talent choosing STEM careers, drawing on people from all walks of life. These grants support students learning about STEM in a range of ways, including through experimentation, hands-on learning and tinkering.”

Minister Husic said the 22 grant recipients include Murdoch University’s WA Robotics Playoffs program and STEMTECH career expo in partnership with Curtin University.

“WA is keen to grow its pool of young talent and supporting their interests in technologies covering everything from coding to robots,” Minister Husic said.

“Robotics and automation will play an increasingly important role in supporting Australian manufacturing and there will also be significant demand for skilled employees in these areas to support mining, agriculture, defence and other industry sectors.”

The 22 grant recipients also include:

$100,000 to the Australian National University to deliver the STARSMAP project, engaging up to 50 primary and secondary schools in regional and remote locations, including a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, through visits by research scientists in astronomy, physics, engineering and music.

$100,000 to Playgroup Victoria to deliver the Stories, STEM & Making project, enhancing home learning environments of children up to 5 years of age while discovering STEM concepts through stories and making.

$100,000 to Noosa Film Academy to deliver hands-on workshops to engage very remote Queensland teenagers in the mechanics of screen production for STEM content creation, live streaming technologies and digital entrepreneurship.

Media contact:  Minister Husic’s office 02 6277 7070