• A Charles Sturt University research team has been awarded a $50,000 grant to enhance STEM education in regional, rural and remote communities
• The team is one of seven 2023 recipients announced by the James Martin Institute (JMI) for Public Policy awarded a prestigious Policy Challenge Grant
• The project is critical to the effective teaching of STEM subjects which are vital to Australia’s prosperity and equity

A Charles Sturt University research team has been awarded a prestigious research grant to develop education policies that re-envision Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in regional, rural and remote communities.

Lecturer in Teacher Education in the Charles Sturt School of Education in Bathurst Dr James Deehan (pictured, inset) will lead the research team that includes Associate Professor Lena Danaia and Research Fellow Dr Sarah Redshaw.

The team has been awarded a $50,000 grant by the James Martin Institute (JMI) for Public Policy for a two-year project titled ‘STEM education beyond our cities: To re-envision STEM education in regional, rural and remote communities’.

The JMI announced the seven 2023 winners of its prestigious Policy Challenge Grants last week. They will share more than half a million dollars for innovative projects to tackle some of the most pressing public policy challenges facing Australia.

JMI’s annual grant program recognises policy-focused research with the potential to address critical challenges, foster policy innovation and improve lives. Each recipient will receive funding and dedicated support from JMI to maximise the policy impact of their team’s work.

Dr Deehan said the project, ‘STEM education beyond our cities’, is critical to the effective teaching of STEM subjects which are vital to Australia’s prosperity and equity.

“STEM education in non-metropolitan areas faces unique challenges, from reliance on out-of-field teachers to limited resourcing,” he said.

“This project will review existing literature and datasets and consult with educators, policymakers and other key stakeholders to inform future STEM education policy in regional NSW.”

Dr Deehan and his research colleagues will attend an awards ceremony at the State Library of New South Wales in November to celebrate this year’s winners. The Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong, MP, will provide a keynote address.

JMI works closely with government and university partners, transforming the public policy landscape and supporting evidence-based policymaking.

The Institute’s projects have helped policymakers tackle some of Australia’s most complex multidisciplinary challenges, including the governance of artificial intelligence, sustainable finance, the resilience of schools in rural and remote areas, and modern slavery.