Future-shaping milestone as STEM Central surges ahead
Science enthusiasts and educators from across Gladstone Region are set to celebrate STEM Central, with a milestone event mapping the collaborative future for the innovative community education centre.
A high-tech drawcard at CQUniversity Gladstone since 2018, on Wednesday 18 March everyone is invited to explore the futuristic facility, and hear future-proofing plans for the popular destination.
Stability, Strategy & STEM Innovation: 2026 and Beyond celebrates seven years of achievements, and launches the new STEM Central Collaborative initiative, to ensure stability and long-term impact through innovative science, technology, engineering, maths (STEM) education.
Connect with science
The event will also showcase new opportunities for community members to support its initiatives, by volunteering to support engaging, hands-on STEM experiences for school groups, senior learners, and the wider community. Become a STEM Central volunteer here.
CQU researchers will also outline a new Air Quality initiative, driving local liveability through innovation. The re-launched program is recruiting citizen scientists from the local community to be involved.
STEM Central operates as a partnership between Australia Pacific LNG, operated downstream by ConocoPhillips, and CQUniversity, to address the skills shortage crisis in the STEM workforce.
Deputy Dean Research for CQU’s School of Education and the Arts Associate Professor Linda Pfeiffer leads STEM Central, and said the event marks important milestones as the facility grows.
"STEM Central has brought science to life for tens of thousands of participants, not just on campus in Gladstone, but through greater outreach through regional Queensland, and into primary schools across our region,” Assoc Prof Pfeiffer said.
Indigenous-connected impact
STEM Central partnerships have also supported the award-winning Buraligim Weiber (Place of Learning) initiative.
An innovative and immersive project with Gladstone primary schools, the CQU outreach has connected more than 600 students with STEM-focused Indigenous-connected education since 2022.
The project works with CQU’s Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre, Quoin Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, Queensland Museum and many others create hands-on, First Nations-informed STEM opportunities.
Assoc Prof Pfeiffer was also recently featured in Higher Education Digest for inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.
“We invite the whole of our community to join us to celebrate this exciting milestone and discover the programs and projects shaping our region,” Assoc Prof Pfeiffer said.
Stability, Strategy & STEM Innovation: 2026 and Beyond is at CQUniversity Gladstone Marina campus, Bryan Jordan Drive, from 4pm – 5.30pm on Wednesday 18 March.
