Increasing participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics

The Office of the Lead Scientist advocates for the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to Victoria's economic future, recognising that skills in these sectors will enable out next generation to be ready for future jobs.

The following maps, representing the Women and Girls in STEM and Victorian STEM Ecosystem respectively, have been designed by the Office of the Lead Scientist to demonstrate the breadth and range of resources available for Victorians pursuing interests, study or careers in STEM.

Women and Girls in STEM map

Underrepresentation of women and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is a significant barrier to achieving our scientific potential. Although there are many STEM activities supporting the development of women and girls in Victoria, they can be difficult to find and access.

To improve the visibility of these activities, the 'Women and Girls in STEM Map' consolidates and displays the range of programs available to Victorian women and girls.

The STEM Map creates a visual representation of resources available throughout a person’s STEM education, from primary school through to their professional career, enabling more women and girls to pursue a career in STEM.
Download the Women and Girls in STEM Map below

Women and Girls in STEM Map Women and Girls in STEM MAP (PDF 596.62 KB) PDF icon

Women and Girls in STEM Map Women and Girls in STEM MAP (DOCX 45.42 KB) DOCX icon

Connecting Victoria's STEM Ecosystem

The Office of the Lead Scientist has produced Australia’s first STEM ecosystem map, recognising that transferable Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) skills are increasingly in demand in our rapidly changing world. The map provides a resource to align and connect businesses, community and government to STEM initiatives. The map shows the programs and activities across the state to encourage young people to engage with STEM. Increased participation of young people in STEM will ultimately lead to more creative and adaptable employees
Please click on the map to enlarge.

Increasing participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in secondary schools

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills are increasingly in demand in our rapidly changing world.

Victoria's Lead Scientist, Dr Amanda Caples, encourages all young Victorians to study science and mathematics to develop transferable skills for the future.

This map shows the exciting programs and activities across Victoria to encourage young people to engage with STEM. It provides a navigational tool to enable connections across the system.

Please click on the map to enlarge.

The content of this STEM map is outlined in the content on this page. It provides links to relevant organisations on the map. A disclaimer on the map reads:  For more details or to provide additional informational, contact the Office of the Lead Scientist via lead.scienstist@ecodev.vic.gov.au or www.economicdevelopment.vic.gov.au/leadscientist. This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequences which may arise from you replying on any information in this publication. While effort has been made to ensure the currency, accuracy or completeness of this content we endeavour to keep the content relevant and up to date and reserve the right to make changes as required. The Victorian government, authors and presenters do not accept any liability to any person for the information (or the use of the information) which is provided or referred to in the report.

Download a version of Connecting Victoria's STEM ECOSYSTEM 11652 DEDJTR OLS Victorian STEM MAP v6 WEB.pdf (PDF 117.35 KB) PDF icon

More details about each of these initiatives or organisations can be found in the topic headings below.

Teachers and students can find additional programs, events, professional learning and resources at VicSTEM Department of Education and Training.

For a national collection of STEM activities and providers, see the STARportal.

Teacher resources

VicSTEM - Department of Education and Training

Design and Technology Teachers Association Victoria

Digital Learning and Teaching Victoria

Science Teacher Association of Victoria

Mathematical Association of Victoria

Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute

Geography Teachers Association of Victoria

VicPhys - Vicphysics Teachers' Network

Australian Data Science Education Institute

Chemistry Education Association

Distance Education

Virtual School Victoria

Emerging Science Victoria

Learners Voice in Virtual Learning - refer to FUSE

Virtual Excursions Australia

Supporting resources

STELR

Sustainable Futures

Melbourne's Water Story

Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship Video Series

Children's Discovery Museum

Digital Technologies Hub

Math Pathways

AMSI Maths Adds

The STARportal

Digital Careers

Calculate

STEM focused schools

Ballarat Tech School

Banyule-Nillumbik Tech School

Bendigo Tech School

Casey Tech School 

Geelong Tech School

Gippsland Tech School

Monash Tech School

Whittlesea Tech School

Wyndham Tech School

Yarra Ranges Tech School

Knox Innovation, Opportunity and Sustainability Centre (KIOSK)

BioLAB

EarthEd

Ecolinc

Gene Technology Access Centre

Quantum Victoria

Victorian Space Science Education Centre

John Monash Science School

Elizabeth Blackburn Sciences

Suzanne Cory High School

Nossal High School

University outreach

Science in Schools

Engineering and IT Schools Program

Residential Indigenous Science Experience

Strengthening Engagement and Achievement in Mathematics and Science

Deakin Engagement and Access Program

Engineering and Science Engagement Programs

Science, Health and Engineering Outreach Programs

FARLabs

RMIT STEMM workshops and events

STEMM Ambassadors in Schools

Strengthening Engagement and Achievement in Mathematics and Science

STEM Talks

MySci

FLEET Education and Outreach

Swinburne University Workshops, events and outreach programs

PrimeSci!

OzGrav

AstroTours

SciVR

Holiday programs and kids clubs

BASF Kids' Lab

PrimeSci! LabRats Science Club

The Science Experience

Spark Engineering Camp

Maths Camp

LetsSTEM

Code Club Australia

Code Camp

CoderDojo

CodingKids

Codergarten

Awards, competitions, workshops and events

Australian Brain Bee Challenge

Science Talent Search

Maths Talent Quest

Australian Science Olympiads

Australian Mathematical Olympiad

Australian STEM Video Game Challenge

Day of Stem

Amazing Spaghetti Machine Contest

Aurecon Bridge Building Competition

Victorian Model Solar Vehicle State Challenge

Science and Engineering Challenge

Vex Robotics Competition

FIRST Lego League and Robotics Competition

BHP Billiton Foundation Science and Engineering Awards

F1 in Schools

Creativity in Research Engineering Science and Technology (CREST)

RACI Competitions

International Mathematical Modeling Challenge

RoboCup Junior

BrainSTEM Innovation Challenge

Other Competitions

Power of Engineering

Maths Games Days

Code Like A Girl

Go Girl Go for IT

Girls Invent

Get into AgSTEM

Birdlife Australia

Robogals

Fizzics Education

Starlab Victoria Mobile Planetarium Experience

It Takes a Spark EduConference

Ballarat Get into Games Expo

Girls in Physics Breakfast

Kids Unlimited

Junior Naturalist Group

Engineering Without Borders School Outreach

Networks, partnerships, mentoring and industry-led initiatives

In2Science

ChooseMaths

STEM Professionals in Schools

Australian Business and Community Network

Girl Geek Academy

Learn@Bosch

STEM Learning Hub - Social Ventures Australia

Social Enterprise in Schools

The Young Scientists of Australia -  Melbourne

Real-Time Learning

Places to Visit

Zoos Victoria

Melbourne Museum

Scienceworks

Melbourne Aquarium

Australian Synchrotron

twistED

Discovery Science and Technology Centre

Royal Botanic Gardens of Victoria

Geelong Botanic Gardens

Phillip Island Nature Parks

Wilsons Promontory Education Centre

Western Water

Gippsland Water Factory Vortex Centre

Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre

Amphibian Research Centre Educational Tours

CERES School of Nature and Climate

Gould League

Science Gallery

Ballarat Observatory

Ballarat Wildlife Park

Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre

Metro Tunnel HQ

Public Libraries of Victoria

Page last updated: 24 March 2023