In Science Week news, the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy, the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has won a prestigious award for its programs introducing students to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

The QMEA received the Education Partnership Award in the annual Peter Doherty Awards for Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

The awards, named in honour of Queensland’s Nobel Prize-winning scientist Professor Peter Doherty, were established 23 years ago by the Queensland Government Department of Education to recognise outstanding contributions to STEM by students, schools and educators.

QRC CEO Janette Hewson said the award was wonderful recognition for the QMEA which has been inspiring students to pursue STEM-based careers for over 20 years.

“The QMEA was established as the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council in 2005, in partnership with the Queensland Government’s Gateway to Industry Schools Program (GISP), to deliver specialist STEM workshops and programs connecting students’ classroom studies back to the resources industry,” said Ms Hewson.

“We knew it was essential to nurture students’ interest in STEM and open their eyes to the incredible careers waiting for them in resources,” she said.

“Since its inception the QMEA has engaged with close to 65,000 students through a unique program of school workshops and camps demonstrating how STEM studies relate to real world careers in the resources sector.”

“I also want to thank QRC members for their enduring support of the QMEA, many of whom partner with the academy to deliver programs and opportunities, giving students a greater understanding of how important STEM is in the exploration and processing of mineral and energy resources.”

QMEA Director, Jen Hoyle, said the academy was honoured to receive the prestigious award during Science Week.

“Our team of STEM Engagement Educators are passionate about delivering specialist workshops, camps and leadership programs for students across Queensland,” said Ms Hoyle.

“We get great feedback from our schools and industry partners and are honoured to now receive this recognition from the broader education community,” she said.

“We will continue inspiring young Queenslanders to pursue exciting STEM careers in the resources sector through our partnerships with education, industry and government.”

Click here for a link to the Peter Doherty STEM Awards media release.