First Nations scientists have been named among a group of their peers in STEM fields set to be championed for building their own careers and encouraging young people to continue breaking stereotypes.
Since 2017, Superstars of STEM has aimed "to smash society's gender assumptions about scientists and increase the public visibility of women and non-binary people in STEM," Science and Technology Australia said.
Announced on Wednesday, Gomeroi astrophysicist Krystal De Napoli, Worimi biomedical scientist Vanessa Sewell, and Kamilaroi AI-utilising biodiversity company Xylo Systems Camille Goldstone-Henry are among the 60 people selected for the program in 2025.
Across two years, the 'Superstars' will take on media training, mentoring and networking on step to being the face for their fields, with school visits a major component of the program.
Science & Technology Australia Deputy chief executive and program manager Dr Sandra Gardam said Superstars of STEM will play an important role in inspiring young people ahead of a 14 per cent increase in careers projected to come.
"We know it's really hard to be what you can't see. This world-leading program is smashing stereotypes of what a scientist, technologist, engineer or mathematician looks like," Dr Gardam said.
"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, regardless of where they live and whatever their background - that STEM is for them."
Susan Beetson, Sophie Gilbey, Tiahni Adamson, Karlie Noon, Renee Wootton, Dr Jessica Buck and Dr Kalinda Griffiths are previous Indigenous participants of the program.
Dr De Napoli is an award-winning author and host of Indigenuity, a weekly show on Melbourne's Triple R Radio.
In 2022, Ms Sewell, who develops vaccines for livestock to tackle parasites with the University of New England, was one of five recipients of the Australian Academy of Science Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientist Award.
'My focus is on helping Indigenous students succeed in STEM, both by promoting STEM to high school students and supporting current university students in their studies. I am passionate about inspiring young Indigenous students to pursue STEM," Ms Sewell said.
Camille Goldstone-Henry, who previously worked within conservation of endangered species - including with the Tasmanian Devil, is a former AI in Climate and Trailblazer Women in AI Awards winner.
Federal Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic said "Australia's brightest minds are a national asset coveted world-wide, with this year's cohort of women and non-binary Superstars further underscoring Australia's capability in STEM".
The federal government has backed the program with $7 million since the previous federal election.
