Science Gallery Melbourne's Biotech STEAM careers forum inspires over 9,000 students

Students gained insights into transdisciplinary careers and how STEAM professionals tackle global and local challenges.

Over 9,000 school students found inspiration in Science Gallery Melbourne's recent Biotech STEAM Careers Forum, a transformative event held as part of Victorian Education Week. Connecting students from diverse corners of the globe, including Australia, Canada, India, Italy, Kenya, and South Africa, the forum provided a unique platform for interaction with passionate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) professionals.

Amidst the vibrant exchange, students delved into the professional journeys of individuals hailing from varied and transdisciplinary backgrounds, spanning the realms of biotechnology, bioethics, and beyond. Notable figures gracing the forum included Andrew Pask, Professor and Head of the Evo-Devo-Repro group at the University of Melbourne, who focuses on the intriguing domain of Tasmanian Tiger de-extinction, biotech artist Lucy McRae, renowned for exploring speculative futures, Gadhadar Reddy, CEO of NoPo Nanotechnologies in Bengaluru, and Asmita Haq, Financial Analyst at CSL, a company at the forefront of utilising technology to save lives. The event was hosted by Dr Jess Vovers, a researcher specialising in emerging and disruptive technologies for the Defence Science and Technology Group, and Qian Mo (Rita) Cui, a member of the Sci Curious group at Science Gallery Melbourne.

Science Gallery Melbourne's Careers Forum serves as a beacon of purpose, aiming to not only introduce students to potential career paths and industry connections but also to instil an understanding of how STEAM professionals integrate their expertise to address pressing global and local challenges. Each semester, this forum is a testament to the power of transdisciplinary collaboration and the utilisation of transferable skills in effecting positive change.

In the next edition, taking place in September 2024, the Forums will focus on Future Careers, including the rapidly growing space industry with panel representation from the Plants for Space Australian Research Council Centre. Through this initiative and its broader learning programme, Science Gallery Melbourne endeavours to ignite the passion for STEAM disciplines and equip students with the knowledge and inspiration to carve out meaningful paths in their future endeavours. 

In its forthcoming edition scheduled for September 2024, the Forum will shift its focus to Future Careers, with a specific emphasis on the rapidly expanding space industry with panellists working at the forefront of space exploration, including experts from the Plants for Space Australian Research Council Centre. Through this forward-looking initiative and its comprehensive learning programme, Science Gallery Melbourne is committed to igniting enthusiasm for STEAM disciplines among students. By providing invaluable insights and fostering inspiration, the Forum aims to empower students to chart meaningful and impactful paths in their future endeavours.