Securing the Pipeline: Turning the tide on Australia’s STEM decline

Professor Craig Simmons FAA FTSE

Chief Scientist for South Australia

Craig is a leading groundwater scientist, recognised for contributions to groundwater science, science leadership, education, and policy reform, working across the public and private sectors. He is Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation) at the University of Newcastle. Craig was Foundation Director of the ARC National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research at Flinders University, and Executive Director for Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences at ARC.

Craig is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering and American Geophysical Union. He has received awards including the Australian Academy of Science Anton Hales Medal for distinguished contributions to research in the Earth Sciences, South Australian Scientist of the Year, Australian Water Professional of the Year, and International Association of Hydrogeologists Presidents’ Award.

He is a lead author of the United Nations World Water Development Report “Groundwater: Making the Invisible Visible” and coauthor of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report.

Professor Tony Haymet

Australia's Chief Scientist

Professor Haymet is an emeritus distinguished professor of oceanography with an internationally recognised career spanning Australia and the United States. He has held academic appointments including Established Chair of Theoretical Chemistry at the University of Sydney, with research interests spanning hydrophobicity, crystal-liquid interfaces, Antarctic fish antifreeze proteins, the spherical carbon molecule C60, and oceanography. He holds an honours degree in Chemistry from the University of Sydney and a PhD in chemical physics from the University of Chicago.

From 2002 to 2006, Professor Haymet served as Chief of CSIRO Marine Research, later CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, leading five laboratories across Australia and managing two research vessels. He then became Vice-Chancellor, Director and Distinguished Professor of Oceanography at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, from 2006 to 2012. During this time, he co-founded MRV Systems LLC, a company developing autonomous underwater vehicles that collect and share oceanographic data through the Scripps Institution.

Professor Haymet has held numerous leadership roles in science, climate and ocean research, including Chair of the Antarctic Science Foundation, board member of WorldFish, Chair of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering Climate Change Working Group, and Chair of the World Economic Forum's Oceans Council. He also established a philanthropic ocean research program with the Minderoo Foundation. A Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, he now serves as Australia's Chief Scientist and is a member of the Climate Change Authority Board and the National Data Advisory Council.

Jeremy King

Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand

Jeremy King was appointed as the Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand from 23 February 2026.

Prior to this appointment Jeremy served for 36 years in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), with his last appointment being the Head of Joint Aviation Systems Division (JASD) in the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group. JASD manages products and projects that includes the acquisition and sustainment of helicopters and tactical uncrewed aerial systems for the Navy and Army, and pilot and aircrew training systems for the entire ADF.

In 1989 Jeremy began his career in the Australian Army as a soldier. In 1993 he was commissioned into the Australian Regular Army as an engineer in the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. He has led at Troop and Sub-Unit level in Army Aviation squadrons and battalion command in a logistics battalion within a combat brigade.

Jeremy has served as a Design Engineer, Program Manager, Project Director, Director General and Divisional Head within CASG. He holds a bachelor of Electrical Engineering from the University of Tasmania, and master’s degrees in Business Administration and Engineering Science. He is a graduate of the Australian Command and Staff Course.

Katherine Richards AM CSC

Chief Engineer, Engineers Australia

Katherine Richards AM CSC is one of Australia’s most respected engineering and leadership voices. As Chief Engineer at Engineers Australia, she champions the role of engineering in national prosperity, safety, productivity and public trust.

Prior to joining Engineers Australia, Katherine served in the Royal Australian Navy. She joined the Navy as a midshipman and graduated Dux of her Naval Class at the Australian Defence Force Academy with First Class Honours in Mechanical Engineering. Over a distinguished 36-year career in the Navy, she rose to the rank of Rear Admiral, retiring from active service in December 2024.

Katherine is a Board Member of Australia's Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). In 2024, she achieved a post graduate qualification in quantum physics from the ANU.Katherine has been awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross and is a Member of the Order of Australia.

Brooke McLeod

Regional Chair Great South Coast Science and Engineering Challenge event, Rotary Australia

Brooke McLeod is a secondary science teacher and STEM educator based in regional south-west Victoria. With almost 20 years of experience in science and STEM outreach and engagement, she is passionate about creating opportunities for young people to engage with science and overcome barriers to education. Brooke has degrees in science and STEM education and is currently completing a Master of Teaching. She also works with Deakin University’s Diversity, Equity and Access Program and is an active Rotarian, supporting initiatives including the National Science and Engineering Challenge and National Youth Science Forum.