BrainSTEM

BrainSTEM To build a global STEM collaboration platform where high school students from all over the world are The difference was striking!

A case for raising the next generation of STEM leaders
In May 2015 I had the opportunity to witness one of the most incredible and inspiring events of my life. After having won the BHP Billition Science and Engineering Award, my 15-year-old son represented Australia at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) – the world’s largest international pre-college science competit

ion. Approximately 1,700 high school students from over 75 countries, regions, and territories are awarded the opportunity to showcase their independent research and compete for approximately $4 million in prizes. Intel ISEF unites these top young scientific minds, showcasing their talents on an international stage, where doctoral level scientists review and judge their work. While my son had an incredibly successful event, including a sit-down lunch with four Nobel Laureates, my wife and I had several opportunities to engage with students from other countries. The quality of their work and level of engagement was truly inspiring. One thing that stood out amongst all the participants was the overall quality and depth of study by the students who had been mentored by a scientist or a professor from their local university. The quality of their research, depth of knowledge as well as validity of relating their study to a “real-world” problem was incredible. In stark contrast, the work done by other students while not lacking in thought and innovativeness did fall short in terms of more depth and relevance. That got me thinking…..

“As a first world country, with a strong science based industry, we should have a structured program that connects our high-schoolers to scientists and mentors to cultivate those ideas and innovate”.

21/05/2026

Students are far more likely to imagine themselves in STEM when they can see real people working in those spaces.

Earlier this year, Katherine Bennell-Pegg (), Australia’s first professional astronaut to officially represent the nation, delivered this powerful speech when she was honoured at the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards.

Her message highlights something deeply important for the future of STEM education in Australia: visibility matters.

When students can see real pathways into science, technology, engineering, and space industries, those careers begin to feel possible, tangible, and achievable.

Programs, conversations, and role models like these help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world industries, inspiring the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders.

Video courtesy: ABC iview/ABC Australia (YouTube)



22/04/2026

Remember the person who helped shape your path?

Now it’s your turn.

BrainSTEM mentors work with small teams of high school students, guiding them through real-world challenges, sharing insights, and building confidence along the way.

It’s just 45 minutes a week, but the impact lasts much longer.

Could this be you? Register via link in bio.

15/04/2026

🌏 Big ideas start early.

When students are given the tools to think critically and creatively, they can challenge real-world problems.

This is what BrainSTEM looks like in action.

15/04/2026

This idea came from a student. Imagine what they could do with the right mentor.

We’re looking for STEM professionals, PhD candidates and postdocs to guide the next generation of thinkers through our various programs.

Just 45 minutes a week can make a real difference.

If this sounds like something you’d like to do, get involved and make an impact.

Register via the link - Mentor Registration https://lnkd.in/gptnEcy5

13/04/2026

Are you a STEM professional ready to make a real impact?

We’re looking for mentors in Melbourne and Sydney to guide a team of high school students through our STEM programs.

✔ 45 minutes a week

✔ Support the next generation of STEM leaders

✔ Great opportunity for PhD students to contribute to community engagement hours

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

Register via the link in bio.

08/04/2026

The BrainSTEM Innovation Challenge is a 12-week program where STEM mentors guide Year 9 and 10 students through design thinking, collaboration and problem-solving.

We’re currently recruiting Melbourne-based PhD students and STEM professionals to support our next program.

✔ Flexible, online sessions
✔ Supported every step of the way
✔ Can contribute to PhD engagement hours

A small time commitment with a lasting impact. Link to register in bio.

06/04/2026

💡Mentoring with BrainSTEM is a chance to connect with curious young minds and see your knowledge make an impact.

For many STEM PhD students, it can also contribute toward required community engagement hours.

We’re currently looking for mentors acrosstwo upcoming programs:

🔹 Innovation Challenge (Term 2)
12-week program mentoring a team of Year 9–10 students
45 minutes online each week

🔹 Mission Program (May–June)
Shorter program working with senior students on focused Sports Science and Nutrition.

If you’re a PhD student or STEM professional, we’d love to have you involved.

Register via the link in bio.

30/03/2026

We had such a great day at Ivanhoe Grammar last Friday for the VIC/TAS Gifted Education Networking Event. 💡 We loved running our session “Bricks, Brains and Big Ideas: Building Critical, Creative and Design Thinking Skills” with a room full of passionate educators, exploring how design thinking can unlock critical, creative and problem-solving skills, especially in gifted students.

TeacherPD SchoolPrograms

27/03/2026

It’s not just what you teach, it’s what you unlock.

Confidence. Curiosity. Big thinking.

To our mentors, thank you for the time, care and expertise you bring to our students. You’re helping them see what they’re capable of.

If you are interested in becoming a BrainSTEM mentor, we encourage you to get in touch via the link in our bio.

StudentInnovation EducationMatters MelbourneEducation STEMlearning ProblemSolving

25/03/2026

🤔What happens when you give young people the space, tools and trust to solve real problems affecting communities around the world?

Yesterday, we brought together Grade 8-9 students and teachers from across government, Catholic and independent schools for the BrainSTEM SDG Schools Challenge… and the energy in the room was electric. ⚡️

Working in teams, students were given the opportunity to tackle global challenges aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. From design thinking and brainstorming to hands-on prototyping (yes, LEGO was involved), they built, tested and pitched their ideas to a panel of judges. The results were seriously impressive.

We’d like to offer a huge thank you to the educators, mentors and industry experts who supported the day, and to every student who showed up ready to think differently and make an impact on the world.

If you’d like to be a mentor to incredible young people, register your interest via the link in our bio.

StudentInnovation EducationMatters MelbourneEducation STEMlearning ProblemSolving

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Bourke Street
Melbourne, VIC
3000

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