Regional Girls Innovation Challenge
The Regional Girls Innovation Challenge was a collaboration between WiSPP, BrainSTEM and STEM Sisters in response to the limited number of female role models in STEM across regional Victoria.
The program provided an opportunity for high school students to explore the journey of scientific discovery alongside a WiSPP institute mentor in a research environment. The goal was to transform the future of innovation and science by inspiring young women to become the next generation of scientists.
The Teams
Thirteen teams from eight Gippsland high schools participated in the challenge. Each team consists of four or five students who worked together on a scientific and innovative project.
The Mentors
Our mentors were postdocs and PhD students from various institutes. The program offered a fantastic opportunity for professional development, science communication and mentoring experience.
Program Structure
Teams and mentors were paired up for the duration of the 12-week challenge. The students visited the Parkville Precinct during the kickstarter and midway points. Mentors had weekly catch-up sessions with their teams to help guide their progress. Final presentations were held in June to recognise the students' achievements.
“Young minds come up with different ideas. They actually solved a problem in my research. It was really rewarding to see how energized they were about science at the end of the program.”
Project Themes for 2018
The students were encouraged to pick ideas from their local community as potential projects they would like to work on with their mentors who are also aligned with proposed themes of Latrobe Health Assembly:
Pride of Place
Build confidence, esteem and celebration in the community.
Increase community connectedness and engage the disengaged.
Help improve the quality of the natural and built environments.
Enhance Latrobe Valley community reputation.
Build community support and improve community safety.
Increasing employment / Education opportunities
Make the Move
Promote participation and incidental activity for high-risk groups.
Improve opportunities and environments for physical activity.
Increase knowledge of the importance of getting physical activity.
Promote healthy eating.
Improve opportunities and environments for healthy eating.
Children, Family and Young People
Promote good health to get the best possible start in life.
Improve early learning outcomes.
Support families in need and the welfare of children and youth.
Raise awareness and support for mental health conditions.
Chronic Illness and Wellness
Improve the continuity of care for people with chronic conditions.
Prevent chronic illness developing and further problems occurring.
Support those with and developing mental health conditions.
Help people with chronic conditions to live life to the full.