WHAT IS INSPIRING AUSTRALIA?
Inspiring Australia is a national strategy aimed at helping build connections between scientists, organisations, businesses, and students to foster public participation in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and innovation.
Additionally, Inspiring Australia helps science researchers, communicators and governments to better work together to improve the quality, reach and impact of science engagement in Australia.
The goal is to use the broad principles and recommendations of the Inspiring Australia report to drive a national, coordinated strategy to develop a scientifically engaged Australia
Inspiring Australia officers, located in each state and territory, are co-funded by the Australian Government in partnership with state and territory governments and local institutions.
These officers play a key role in enabling a ‘national framework – local action’ approach in support of the strategy. These officers are helping to:
- align local and national strategies
- strengthen science communication networks within states and territories
- identify partnerships and linkages to address priority needs and communities
- build year-round opportunities for targeted audiences
(Credit: Inspiring Australia website: www.inspiringaustralia.net.au)
Inspiring the ACT is the local action to help bring this national strategy to life! Co-funded by the Australian Government in partnership with the ACT government, Inspiring the ACT tailors STEM engagment to the Canberra community.
But why do we need it?
Australia needs a scientifically literate community, a more technologically-skilled workforce, and scientifically-informed decision makers. We want a society that
- Is inspired by, and values scientific endeavour
- Attracts increasing national and international interest in its science
- Critically engages with key scientific issues
- Encourages young people to pursue scientific studies and careers
Why is it relevant to Canberra?
Inspiring the ACT focuses on supporting individuals, community groups, businesses and organisations to engage the Canberra community in STEM. We aim to:
- Build and strengthen science networks and partnerships in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors
- Support initiatives that increase engagement in STEM and entrepreneurship in the ACT across the community, business and government sectors.
- Motivate Canberrans, from all walks of life, to gain an appreciation for the role STEM plays in our lives
- Inspire young people to consider pursuing their passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics through further study, or innovative and entrepreneurial thinking
The ACT is renowned for its strength in knowledge-based industries, including government services, information and communications technology (ICT), space and spatial science, defence and security, health, sport science and renewable energy. The ACT Government’s report: Confident & Business Ready – Building On Our Strengths also identifies Innovation as a vital part of the ACT economic journey.
A strong and sustainable economy is essential for us to meet the needs of the Canberra community now and into the future. We know that our economy will grow as we diversify our private sector, and that this in turn, will create new jobs. It is vital that we support and advocate for “STEM skills” now, to ensure continued prosperity into the future.