The Morrison Government today launched a new initiative to boost science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) mentoring in regional Queensland.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the Industry Mentoring Network in STEM (IMNIS) initiative would strengthen industry research connections and collaboration in regional Queensland.

“Promoting STEM education is a passion of mine and I’m particularly interested in providing opportunities to those in regional areas to grow jobs and boost the economy,” Minister Andrews said.

“STEM education is the key to the future of high tech employment, such as we see in the medical technologies and pharmaceuticals (MTP) industry.”

IMNIS was developed by the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering and is supported by MTP Connect, the Government’s Industry Growth Centre for medical technologies and pharmaceuticals.

IMNIS will be rolled out at two regional universities, James Cook University in Townsville and Cairns, and Central Queensland University in Rockhampton. It aims to connect up to 12 PhD mentees with industry mentors in the IMNIS network.

MTPConnect was established in November 2015 as part of the Government’s Industry Growth Centre Initiative to champion the growth of Australia’s MTP industry.

It has committed a total of $26 million across 48 projects through MTPConnect’s project funds and the Medical Research Future Fund’s (MRFF’s) BioMedTech Horizons program in a range of project areas, ranging from 3D anatomical printing and precision medicine to clinical trials, advanced manufacturing and industry mentoring.

Media contact: Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070