Science and Engineering Challenge celebrates National Finals
More than 240 High School students from eight schools across the country will put their Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics skills to the test today when they take part in the national finals of The University of Newcastle’s Science and Engineering Challenge (SEC).
As Australia’s leading STEM outreach program, this year’s SEC National Finals will mark 25 years since the program’s inception, during which almost half a million students have participated in the program.
This year, more than 26,000 students from 871 schools competed in the challenge, with the top teams from around the country coming together in Newcastle to compete for the title of National Champions 2025.
Local school Belmont Christian College will compete against teams from Auburn High School and a combined team representing Darwin Middle and High School.
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said that the program continues to play a key role in inspiring future generations to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics careers.
“Over the past 25 years, the Science and Engineering Challenge has become a nationally recognised program, helping students build practical skills through hands-on activities that show them what scientists and engineers actually do,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“We’re really proud of the way the challenge gives students from all backgrounds a chance to get involved and see themselves in an exciting career, and we know that many students actually tell us that the Science and Engineering Challenge helped convince them to study a STEM degree, which is fantastic.”
The program has a strong focus on equity, with more than half of the students who participated from rural or remote areas, 48% participants were female, and 6% were First Nations students.
Strategy and Innovation Strategic Advisory Committee Chair Cr Declan Clausen said City of Newcastle was proud to support this year’s national final and see students from local areas and further afield excelling in STEM.
“City of Newcastle is committed to fostering innovation, sustainability and scientific progress,” Cr Clausen said.
“The University of Newcastle’s Science and Engineering Challenge has been inspiring students for decades, myself included. I took part in the Challenge as a high school student and went on to study engineering at the University.
“By empowering students to explore real-world solutions through science and engineering, this program nurtures the curiosity, creativity and capability that will shape a smarter and more sustainable future.”
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