UNSW STEMM Champions Program

The UNSW STEMM Champions Program equips the next generation of thought leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Medicine, and Business by providing inclusive outreach training to higher degree, early career academic and professional candidates to inspire a diverse range of audiences.

Meet our STEMM Champions

"I would highly recommend this program to anyone pursuing science. It not only helps improve scientific skills but also teaches how to make a positive impact on others lives through networking, volunteering, and inspiring young girls to pursue science by breaking stigmas and providing guidance and encouragement. For international PhD students like me, coming from different cultures, languages, and societies, the program has been especially valuable in rebuilding confidence and using these differences as strengths."

- 2025 STEMM Champions

Program overview and key benefits

The STEMM Champions Program is offered by UNSW Science in collaboration with UNSW Engineering, UNSW Medicine & Health and UNSW Business.

This year, the program enters an exciting new era in facilitating growth and broadening its impact and role across UNSW:

The program expands its intake of Champions from the UNSW Business School, recognising STEM skills used every day in the Business world.
Sharpening our focus on STEMM communication and inclusive outreach, reflecting the program’s greatest strengths identified through feedback.
Reflecting the full diversity of future STEMM leaders by opening the program to all HDR candidates and early career academics and professional staff.

Program Offerings:

6-month outreach training
3 workshops
Networking opportunities
Impactful outreach
Practising communication skills

Core skills developed:

Communication to a broad audience
Outreach leadership
Professional development
Advocacy
Inclusive practices

STEMM Champion candidates may be required to engage with outreach activities within the program.

Who should apply?

Higher Degree Researcher (HDR) Cohort

The HDR cohort is for students enrolled in a PhD or Masters by Research in UNSW Science, UNSW Engineering, UNSW Medicine & Health, or UNSW Business School (full-time or part-time equivalent). They have aspirations for personal and professional growth in STEMM communication and outreach, and will commit to the UNSW STEMM Champion role.

Early Career (EC) Cohort (Academic or Professional)

The EC Cohort is for academic or professional staff who are 0–7 years post‑PhD or who hold an undergraduate degree and have a strong interest in facilitating STEMM communication and outreach. They must currently hold an academic or professional position (full-time or part-time equivalent) in UNSW Science, UNSW Engineering, UNSW Medicine & Health, or UNSW Business School. They have aspirations for personal and professional growth in communication and outreach, and will commit to the UNSW STEMM Champion role.

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and LGBTQIA+ people.

Thinking about 2026?

Exciting changes underway!

We’re refreshing and expanding the program, with stronger outreach and enhanced cross-faculty collaboration.

Applications are planned to open May 2026.

More details coming soon.

In the meantime, if you would like to be notified directly in your inbox when applications are open, share your Expression of Interest (EOI) by clicking through to the form below.

Submit my EOI

Program timetable

Please note that all program events are held in person at the UNSW Kensington campus.

Program Overview

"When I joined the STEMM Champions program, I expected to improve my communication and leadership skills, but the experience far exceeded my expectations. Through various workshops, I've learned how to engage diverse audiences and present my research more effectively. At SciFest during National Science Week, I, along with another STEMM Champion, had the opportunity to explain bioinformatics to inspire future scientists. Overall, the program has been a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow scientists, share experiences, and deepen my commitment to my scientific career."

- 2024 STEMM Champions