Securing the Pipeline: Turning the tide on Australia’s STEM decline
Securing the Pipeline
Analysis of data from the Tertiary Collection of Student Information (TCSI) shows a worrying decline in domestic enrolments in university STEM studies. The number of students studying Advanced Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry in year 12 has steadily decreased. STEM skills are essential for Australia’s future industrial and economic security. Action is required to turn the tide on Australia’s STEM decline.
The panel will discuss the programs and systems working to create positive changes to combat these challenges. The discussion will be chaired by the South Australian Chief Scientist and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation) at University of Newcastle, Professor Craig Simmons. Panellists will bring unique perspectives from government, university, industry and community to examine the challenges in STEM education and the effect of STEM outreach to encourage students to enter STEM career pathways. This will be a vital insight into this significant issue affecting Australia’s future.
More information coming soon
On the same day, you are also welcome to attend the National Science and Engineering Challenge Final where the best 8 schools from around Australia are competing in hands-on STEM challenges. More information here.
Event Information
- Date: This in person event will be held on Wednesday 28 October 2026 from 11:15am - 1:30pm
- Location: Dame Dorothy Tangney Alcove, Australian Parliament House
Members of the Panel:
Information coming – Head shot and bio for each panel member
Panel Chair:
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.
Panellists:
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.
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.
Registrations:
Registrations are now open.
All guests must be registered to obtain security clearance for Australian Parliament House. We require:
- Full name as shown on your photo ID
- Time of arrival
- Dietary requirements
- Contact information
- Organisation name
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.