About Inspiring SA

Inspiring South Australia works collaboratively with scientists of all kinds, government agencies, citizen scientists, arts organisations, universities, and industry to provide South Australians with opportunities to connect with, be involved in and get excited about science, technology, engineering, maths, and medicine (STEMM).

Our aim is to show how STEMM impacts everyone and to create a personal connection through experiences to learn more about STEMM education, research, industries, and the opportunities available for education, employment, and enjoyment.

The Inspiring South Australia program is supported by the Australian Government through the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, the Government of South Australia through the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, the University of Adelaide, the University of South Australia, Flinders University and the South Australian Museum

The Themes of the Inspiring SA Program are:

Science for All: Active engagement and connection for all South Australians which broadens scientific literacy and harnesses curiosity

Demonstrating to the community the important role science plays in their lives and in their future

Partnering for a Better Future: Tapping into the State’s scientific knowledge collective to inspire current and future generation of STEMM leaders

Learning from our current science experts to help nurture and inform our State’s future experts and leaders

Science and Me: Providing all South Australians with an opportunity to connect with and get excited about science

Debunking the mystery of science and enabling a personal connection

The Guiding Principles of the Inspiring SA Program are:

Collaboration and co-creation to design and deliver all events and activities: ISA Program Manager will be a facilitator, connector, and enabler

Enhance scientific literacy opportunities for all: provide a variety of opportunities for people to learn more about science and the STEMM opportunities in SA

Focus on underserviced audiences: events and grants will specifically target currently underserviced and disadvantaged audiences in metro and regional areas

Development of resources and recordings: ISA activities and funded activities will be designed to enable production of resources and recordings to allow for engagement and learning beyond the activities

Support the continuing development of the SA science engagement/communication community (SA Sci Comm): provide opportunities to build capability and capacity in the SA Sci Comm community

Expanding industry engagement in the SA Sci Comm community: provide opportunities for industry to participate in ISA activities and ISA funded activities

Highlighting STEMM study and career pathways in SA: when possible, provide opportunities for the wider community to learn about STEMM study and career pathways available in SA

Work to highlight and increase the diversity of STEMM disciplines: all ISA activities and ISA funded activities will require diversity in presenters and participants

Governance

Inspiring SA’s Strategic Direction and oversight is provided by the Inspiring SA Steering Group.

Co-Chairs

  • Director of South Australian Museum
  • Chief Scientist of South Australia

Other members include representatives from:

  • Adelaide Fringe
  • CSIRO
  • Department of Industry, Innovation and Science
  • Flinders University
  • Office of the Chief Scientist of South Australia
  • Questacon
  • RiAus
  • Science Media Centre
  • University of Adelaide
  • University of South Australia
A close up of the face of a robot

One of Inspiring SA’s programs is National Science Week

In South Australia, National Science Week is overseen by a Coordinating Committee members including representatives from:

  • Inspiring South Australia
  • Australian Space Agency
  • CSIRO
  • Flinders University
  • Office of the Chief Scientist of South Australia
  • SA Science Teachers Association
  • University of Adelaide
  • University of South Australia
  • Independent members

“Science isn’t finished until it’s communicated” – UK Chief Scientist Sir Mark Walport