Inspiring minds – Celebrating careers in education for World Teachers’ Day

Kylie is the CEO and works with Australia’s leaders in applied science, technology and engineering to advise decision-makers, lead crucial national conversations to solve complex challenges, and support Australia’s technology-powered, human-driven future. As the past CEO of Science & Technology Australia, Kylie led campaigns to increase investment in Australian research and development, and created the acclaimed Superstars of STEM program, championing Australian women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Kylie is a visiting Fellow at the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science. She has been Chair of the Australian National Commission for UNESCO, is a member of Chief Executive Women, and has been named one of AFR’s 100 Women of Influence, for her work on improving equity, diversity and inclusion in STEM.

Veena is an experienced STEM educator with over 20 years of teaching across three countries. She holds a Bachelor of Physics and Education from Mumbai University and a Master's in Math Education from Deakin University. As one of the few female Systems Engineering teachers in Victoria, Veena actively promotes engineering as a career path for young women.

She has introduced subjects like 3D printing, Robotics, and Systems Engineering, and developed diverse electives in Digital Technologies and Textiles, leading to increased student interest in fields like programming, web design, and automation. Veena also initiated participation in STEM competitions, resulting in higher student engagement, especially among girls.

Veena co-founded the STEAM Club, which now has over 250 students, and launched the STEAM Futures Conference to foster collaboration between schools, industry, and academia. She serves on the Design and Technology Teachers Association Victoria, Science Talent Search Victoria, and advises on the Lunaria One project. Her efforts led to the recognition of VCE Systems Engineering as a bonus subject by all Victorian universities. In 2022, Veena was awarded the Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools.

Professor of Practice - STEM, University of Sydney | Honorary Professor, University of Newcastle

Scott Sleap is a distinguished educator and innovator in STEM education, currently serving as the STEM Enrichment Coordinator for the NSW Department of Education. He leads the acclaimed STEM Industry School Partnerships (SISP) program, which connects schools with industry to deliver hands-on, real-world STEM experiences. Scott is also the driving force behind the development of the NSW Virtual STEM Academy, which provides advanced STEM learning opportunities to students, particularly those in regional, rural, and remote areas.

Scott’s unwavering commitment to equity and excellence in STEM education has been recognised with several prestigious awards, including the Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Secondary Science Teaching, the University of Newcastle Alumni National Leadership Award, and the Commonwealth Bank Teaching Fellowship. His dedication to enhancing space education and workforce development earned him a Winston Churchill Fellowship, through which he collaborated with key organisations such as NASA and the National Science Foundation to advance STEM education initiatives.

A passionate advocate for teacher development, Scott has coordinated professional development for over 25,000 teachers and designed STEM programs that have directly benefited over 200,000 students. In addition to his work with the NSW Department of Education, Scott serves as a Professor of Practice in STEM at the University of Sydney and as an Honorary Professor at the University of Newcastle. His career reflects a lifelong dedication to fostering industry collaborations, workforce development, and improving educational outcomes for students from all backgrounds.