Australian STEM Outreach Program Wins 2025 Eureka Prize for Inclusion Efforts

The Science and Engineering Challenge, a national STEM education initiative founded by the University of Newcastle in 2000, has received the 2025 Department of Industry, Science and Resources Eureka Prize for STEM Inclusion. This not-for-profit program organizes approximately 170 annual outreach activities across 88 Australian locations, engaging around 25,000 students each year. Over half of participating students come from rural, remote, or economically disadvantaged backgrounds, with significant representation from female and First Nations students. The program aims to inspire Year 10 students to pursue science and mathematics in their final school years and consider STEM careers through hands-on, practical activities. It has expanded nationally since its inception, now operating in every Australian state and territory, and has introduced programs for primary school students and international events.