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WHY STEM EDUCATION MATTERS MORE THAN EVER

During a school visit as a Young Science Ambassador, a student quietly asked me: “Why do we study science if we are not planning to become scientists?” It was an honest question and an important one because many students still see STEM as a narrow career path rather than the foundation of almost every modern industry in Australia. When I shared examples from my research, such as how we used accelerometers to monitor cattle behaviour, cameras and visual scoring to quantify buffalo fly burden and proteomics to understand immune responses, the class immediately understood that STEM is not only found in labs. STEM is behind livestock health, food production, environmental monitoring and the technologies that shape our daily lives. That single conversation reminded me why STEM education matters. It ignites curiosity. It builds confidence. It gives students a language to understand a rapidly changing world. Australia is entering a decade of complex challenges including climate adaptation, food security, digital transformation, healthcare innovation and environmental resilience. These challenges require a workforce that is STEM literate and adaptable.