Funding Announced for Hunter STEM Career Pathways

 BY PETER HYSLOP

The Federal Government is committing $3.2 million to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) pathways in Hunter schools.

The program includes $1.9 million awarded to the University of Newcastle to support its Next Gen STEM program, delivering hands-on science and engineering days for students from Years 7 to 10, and $1.3 million for pathways into STEM careers.

Trevor Smith from regional development Australia, the agency responsible for managing the careers program, says it's an exciting initiative.

"[Seeing] Students getting involved, taking up the challenges being put to them, thinking outside the box, working together in teams, being creative, and creating brand new solutions, is such a joy to watch," he said.

 

Science and Engineering Challenge in action. Credit: University of Newcastle

Additional University Places Added in Newcastle to Grow AUKUS Workforce

BY HOLLY FISHLOCK

Additional places in STEM courses will be open at the University of Newcastle next year, in a bid to help grow the skilled workforce required to deliver AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines.

The Albanese Government is investing $128 million to fund an additional 4,001 university places across Australia. In Newcastle, 140 places have been allocated.

These additional places will apply to 38 STEM-related courses, designed to attract more students to train in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Federal Member for Patterson Meryl Swanson said she's celebrating the move.

"I'm delighted to say that the Albanese Labor Government has funded 140 additional places at the University of Newcastle over the next four years for STEM related subjects such as mechanical engineering and chemical engineering," says MP Swanson.

Ms. Swanson says it is important to increase training in STEM-related fields, as careers in these industries in Newcastle are in high demand.

"It's incredibly important that we do grow the workforce that is needed for the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines. In addition to that, it's also important that we constantly work with our businesses in the local area.

"The reason it's so important that we increase people taking up STEM courses is because that's where the jobs of the future in our region are going to lie. As a government we've recognised that, and that's why we've supported and funded these 140 places at Newcastle University over the next four years,," she said. 

Eligible students are able to apply and commence studies for STEM courses from the beginning of 2024.

Solar-powered car departs Newcastle for Australian round trip

BY DAKOTA TAIT

An electric car has embarked on the first leg of a round trip of Australia on Friday, departing Newcastle for a journey largely powered by the sun.

The University of Newcastle team is attempting to cover just over 15,000 kilometres in a few months, aiming to cover around 130 kilometres a day.

The vehicle will be charged mostly by solar panels, though they'll use conventional charging points in urban areas.

Professor Paul Dastoor, Director of the Centre for Organic Electronics, says it's a chance to do away of some of the so-called 'range anxiety' around long-distance trips. 

"We're taking an electric vehicle - a Tesla - anti-clockwise around Australia, charged by printed solar," he said. "The sort of lightweight renewable energy technology we've developed here at the University of Newcastle."

"It's our first opportunity to road-test printed solar. This journey is all about expanding people's appreciation of electric vehicles."

Each of the 18 printed solar sheets is 18 metres long and weighs 12 kilograms, but they will be rolled up and stored in the boot while the car's on the road.

It takes around six hours to charge the car for 160 kilometres of driving, but the team's estimated the charging costs for the entire trip at just $80.

The team will also be visiting schools around the country to deliver a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Roadshow. 

"It gives us an opportunity to actually test the technology we've developed and also to deliver an education program across Australia," Prof Dastoor said.

"Being able to go out to regional, rural, and outback schools, and talk to them about how the science they're learning in their classroom translates to university studies, to research, and then ultimately, technology that will change people's lives."

Image credit: Charge Around Australia.