Increasing participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics
The Office of the Lead Scientist advocates for the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to Victoria's economic future, recognising that skills in these sectors will enable out next generation to be ready for future jobs.
The following maps, representing the Women and Girls in STEM and Victorian STEM Ecosystem respectively, have been designed by the Office of the Lead Scientist to demonstrate the breadth and range of resources available for Victorians pursuing interests, study or careers in STEM.
Women and Girls in STEM map
Underrepresentation of women and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is a significant barrier to achieving our scientific potential. Although there are many STEM activities supporting the development of women and girls in Victoria, they can be difficult to find and access.
To improve the visibility of these activities, the 'Women and Girls in STEM Map' consolidates and displays the range of programs available to Victorian women and girls.
The STEM Map creates a visual representation of resources available throughout a person’s STEM education, from primary school through to their professional career, enabling more women and girls to pursue a career in STEM.
Download the Women and Girls in STEM Map below
Women and Girls in STEM Map Women and Girls in STEM MAP (PDF 596.62 KB) 
Women and Girls in STEM Map Women and Girls in STEM MAP (DOCX 45.42 KB) 
Connecting Victoria's STEM Ecosystem
The Office of the Lead Scientist has produced Australia’s first STEM ecosystem map, recognising that transferable Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) skills are increasingly in demand in our rapidly changing world. The map provides a resource to align and connect businesses, community and government to STEM initiatives. The map shows the programs and activities across the state to encourage young people to engage with STEM. Increased participation of young people in STEM will ultimately lead to more creative and adaptable employees
Please click on the map to enlarge.
Increasing participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in secondary schools
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills are increasingly in demand in our rapidly changing world.
Victoria's Lead Scientist, Dr Amanda Caples, encourages all young Victorians to study science and mathematics to develop transferable skills for the future.
This map shows the exciting programs and activities across Victoria to encourage young people to engage with STEM. It provides a navigational tool to enable connections across the system.
Please click on the map to enlarge.
Download a version of Connecting Victoria's STEM ECOSYSTEM 11652 DEDJTR OLS Victorian STEM MAP v6 WEB.pdf (PDF 117.35 KB)
More details about each of these initiatives or organisations can be found in the topic headings below.
- Teacher resources
- Distance education
- Supporting resources
- STEM focused schools
- University outreach
- Holiday programs and kids clubs
- Awards, competitions, workshops and events
- Networks, partnerships and mentoring and industry-led initiatives
- Places to visit
Teachers and students can find additional programs, events, professional learning and resources at VicSTEM Department of Education and Training.
For a national collection of STEM activities and providers, see the STARportal.
Teacher resources
VicSTEM - Department of Education and Training
Design and Technology Teachers Association Victoria
Digital Learning and Teaching Victoria
Science Teacher Association of Victoria
Mathematical Association of Victoria
Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute
Geography Teachers Association of Victoria
VicPhys - Vicphysics Teachers' Network
Australian Data Science Education Institute
Chemistry Education Association
Distance Education
Learners Voice in Virtual Learning - refer to FUSE
Supporting resources
Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship Video Series
STEM focused schools
Knox Innovation, Opportunity and Sustainability Centre (KIOSK)
Victorian Space Science Education Centre
University outreach
Engineering and IT Schools Program
Residential Indigenous Science Experience
Strengthening Engagement and Achievement in Mathematics and Science
Deakin Engagement and Access Program
Engineering and Science Engagement Programs
Science, Health and Engineering Outreach Programs
RMIT STEMM workshops and events
Strengthening Engagement and Achievement in Mathematics and Science
Swinburne University Workshops, events and outreach programs
Holiday programs and kids clubs
PrimeSci! LabRats Science Club
Awards, competitions, workshops and events
Australian Brain Bee Challenge
Australian Mathematical Olympiad
Australian STEM Video Game Challenge
Amazing Spaghetti Machine Contest
Aurecon Bridge Building Competition
Victorian Model Solar Vehicle State Challenge
Science and Engineering Challenge
FIRST Lego League and Robotics Competition
BHP Billiton Foundation Science and Engineering Awards
Creativity in Research Engineering Science and Technology (CREST)
International Mathematical Modeling Challenge
BrainSTEM Innovation Challenge
Starlab Victoria Mobile Planetarium Experience
It Takes a Spark EduConference
Engineering Without Borders School Outreach
Networks, partnerships, mentoring and industry-led initiatives
Australian Business and Community Network
STEM Learning Hub - Social Ventures Australia
The Young Scientists of Australia - Melbourne
Places to Visit
Discovery Science and Technology Centre
Royal Botanic Gardens of Victoria
Wilsons Promontory Education Centre
Gippsland Water Factory Vortex Centre
Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre
Amphibian Research Centre Educational Tours
CERES School of Nature and Climate
Page last updated: 24 March 2023