Read the full report:
A case for stronger STEM promotion
An Impact Evaluation for Inspiring Australia Queensland (IAQ)
During the period between 2017-2021, IAQ invested $144,000 each year to support STEM engagement in the state – with $75,000 devoted to National Science Week.
Ahead of a new funding period beginning in 2022, Patternmakers was commissioned to conduct a series of stakeholder interviews, data analysis and 5 case studies to evaluate its impact and identify learnings for the future. We were thrilled to take on the task and apply our research skills within the STEM sector on such a high-profile event such as National Science Week.
Key findings:
The need for programs like IAQ appears to be increasing, as Australia faces worsening STEM outcomes in some areas.
With concerning trends surrounding STEM education, lack of job-readiness in Australia, and the underrepresentation of women and First Nations people in STEM education and employment, programs like IAQ are incredibly valuable.
18% of Queenslanders participated in National Science Week (NSWk) in 2021, up from 9%, with digital events helping to increase the event’s reach
A Kantar Public survey of 1,200 Queensland residents aged 18+ showed that National Science Week has broad awareness among Queenslanders (48% of respondents had heard of NSWk in 2021, up from 42% in 2018).
The digital availability of events appears to have made them more accessible – with around 1 in 5 people participating doing so online.
Major National Science Week events have reached up to 5,000 people in-person and 170,000 people online
Major events organised by the NSWk Coordinating Committee are having significant reach, such as the Queensland Firebirds Game which spread the IAQ message to up to 5,000 people - while a Twitter Takeover allowing STEM experts to answer questions and promote their research garnered 170,000 impressions. This tells us that NSWk is achieving its goal of making science accessible and appealing for many attendees.
Supported by Inspiring Australia QLD, 6 Regional STEM Hubs are offering opportunities for networking and regional development
Between 2017-2021, 6 Regional STEM Hubs in QLD were established with the goal of inspiring community collaboration and grassroots science engagement in key regions. Networking appears to be a real strength of the hubs, and many have formed robust cross-sector partnerships with universities, tourism partners and local businesses. Leveraging their regional networks and relationships, STEM Hubs have been able to deliver local events that appeal to community members or speak to community science needs.
Case studies demonstrate the broad range of impacts occurring through IAQ investment:
Tec-NQ’s Open Day used IAQ funding to show prospective students that the trades are STEM careers
An Indigenous Science Experience helped students at Logan schools appreciate Indigenous Australia’s long history of science innovation
Cobb+Co Museum’s role as ‘the centre’ of the Darling Downs STEM Hub helped the organisation grow its networks – and reach more Toowoomba residents with science
IAQ’s organising committee partnered with the Firebirds to reach young women and girls at a netball game and demonstrate the possibility of a STEM career
A ‘Future Earth’ panel at Marsden State school utilised young STEM leaders to show high school students the career possibilities related to climate solutions.