• The Charles Sturt University Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Futures Institute is committed to cultivating the next generation of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) talent
• Charles Sturt sponsored two high school students who recently competed at the International Science and Engineering Fair in Dallas, Texas, in May
• The global STEM arena has many challenges and opportunities, particularly for Australia

High school students sponsored by Charles Sturt University recently competed at an international Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) competition in the USA, with one winning first place in robotics.

Executive Director of the Charles Sturt Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Futures Institute (AICFI) Professor Ganna Pogrebna said the global STEM arena presents an array of challenges and opportunities, not least for a country like Australia.

“As we face the prospects of technological advancements and AI integration, there is an ongoing conversation about the development of talent required to sustain these fields,” she said.

“Australia finds itself at a unique crossroad where it grapples with a relatively small market, and the scarcity of funding to support talent is increasingly evident.

“The mission of the Charles Sturt Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Futures Institute is to cultivate the next generation of STEM talent and empower them to make meaningful contributions to society, and we remain committed to fostering technological innovation, education, and scientific research.

“We believe in the limitless possibilities of STEM, and we are inspired by a future driven by innovation and progress. Together, we need to continue to nurture our talented youth and shape a promising Australian STEM future.”

Two of the nine AUSSEF high school students were sponsored by the Charles Sturt AICFI to represent Australia at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Dallas.

One of the students, Mr Kai Turner (pictured at top in centre, and on left with fellow ISEF competitors) from Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus, was awarded the 1st Grand Award in Robotics and Intelligent Machines as well as the SAE International Sponsored Award.

AUSSEF is run and managed by devoted teachers, without substantial financial support, and their determination and tenacity have led to impressive results on the international stage.

“The success at the recent ISEF is a testament to the quality of STEM education and innovation in Australia and the potential Australia possesses in the international STEM landscape,” Professor Pogrebna said.

“We acknowledge the achievements of our students and the supportive AUSSEF team, and we look forward to a future where every young Australian STEM enthusiast can pursue their dreams without any financial hindrances.

“By nurturing STEM talent, we are investing in a promising future of scientific and engineering research, a prerequisite to successfully integrate science and technology into our lives.

“This goal is undoubtedly no less important than grappling with the forthcoming risks of automation in the workplace as we are currently educating people who will be retiring in 50 years’ time, and we need to carefully consider the priorities of future education.”

A rigorous two-stage AUSSEF national judging process in 2023 will select a team to represent Australia at the 2024 Regeneron ISEF in Los Angeles, California.