Inspiring the 2024 STEM Enrichment Conference

UNSW SMaRT Centre Director Prof Veena his inspired the next generation of scientists and engineers with a keynote speech at the 3-day 2024 STEM Enrichment Conference hosted by Flinders University.

Veena shared her vision for a sustainable future, highlight the importance of creating a circular economy and how using waste as a resource - including various UNSW SMaRT Centre innovations - must be at the centre of our manufacturing future and innovative decarbonisation efforts.

She spoke to nearly 200 students at the 2024 STEM Enrichment Conference hosted by Flinders University on 20 June 2024.

The three-day event was supported by the Department of Industry and Science and a Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship (WiSE) grant. The conference inspired and engaged young female students in STEM fields. Prof. Veena also delivered a role-model talk to a further 80 girls following the conference

Event website

Program of events

Event hosts say:

The STEM Enrichment Academy, building on its successful 2021 launch, aims to deliver hands-on activities and engagement opportunities for female students across South Australia and the Northern Territory. In 2023, the program enriched the lives of over 300 schoolgirls and teachers through a series of workshops, conferences and activities.

The Academy aims to inspire Year 9 girls in South Australia and the Northern Territory to explore STEM topics through monthly skill enrichment workshops, thanks to a scholarship program for regional students. This includes mentorship by female STEM role models, intensive hands-on STEM workshops and lab tours. The workshops allow students to perform hands-on experiments in science, computing, mathematics, chemistry and engineering topics at Flinders University facilities.

The 2024 conference program promised to reach even more young minds, providing valuable STEM experiences that inspire future scientists, engineers, innovators and sustainability leaders. Interested schools and students are encouraged to check the dates for upcoming workshops and conferences and complete the enquiry form for further information.

Download our 2024 STEM Enrichment brochure