ARM Hub's robotics chief wins major STEM award

ARM Hub CEO Associate Professor Cori Stewart has been announced as one of Australia’s newest Superstars of STEM by Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic. Stewart joins 60 diverse scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians who will step into the media spotlight as STEM experts.

Stewart said the Superstars of STEM program pushes to deliver a diverse STEM workforce and ensures the next generation of scientists and technologists have visible role models.

“Australia needs our manufacturing to translate our world-class STEM education into globally leading companies,” she said. “And if we don’t make the necessary investments now, including having more women enter the industry, we are at risk of the nation becoming a low-wage, low-value service economy.”

Stewart said she was honoured to receive the Superstars of STEM award, as it promotes an issue she is deeply committed to: more women and girls entering STEM careers.

“I founded the ARM Hub with a mission to address Australia’s urgent need to secure high-value STEM industries and highly skilled STEM jobs that will make our nation an advanced manufacturing nation,” she said.

Husic congratulated the newest Superstars of STEM on stepping into the public arena to help inspire the next generations of diverse young Australians into STEM.

“The need to boost diversity in our science, technology, engineering and mathematics sector is urgent,” he said. ”There are huge skills shortages that can be addressed if we put our minds and collective effort to it — which means we have to draw deeply on our nation’s expertise from all corners of the community. By doing so, we can deliver a stellar boost to our national economy and enable Australia to meet the growing demand for STEM-trained workers.

“I just know these talented experts and communicators will play their part inspiring Australia’s young people — from all backgrounds — into science and technology.”

Science & Technology Australia Chief Executive Officer Misha Schubert said the program gave women and non-binary talent in STEM crucial skills and confidence to step into expert commentary roles in the media.

“We know it’s really hard to be what you can’t see,” she said. “That’s why this game-changing program is helping to smash stereotypes of what a scientist, technologist, engineer or mathematician looks like.

“By becoming highly visible role models in the media, these Superstars of STEM are showing our diverse next generations of young people — especially our girls and non-binary kids — that STEM is for them.”

Superstars of STEM is an initiative of Science & Technology Australia funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources. The next 60 Superstars of STEM will join the program in 2023 and 2024.

Through a highly competitive selection process, the program selects 60 women and non-binary STEM experts and gives them the training, confidence, networks and experience to become sought-after media commentators as experts in their fields.

Pictured: ARM Hub CEO Associate Professor Cori Stewart