Victoria's Lead Scientist, Dr Amanda Caples, has been named chair of an initiative to drive Victoria's future as a global centre of innovation.
Dr Caples will chair the state's Inspiring Australia program, a unique approach to help inspire and skill the next generation of problem solvers.
Inspiring Australia is a partnership between the Royal Society of Victoria, the Commonwealth Government and the Victorian Government, who have just invested $50,000 in the innovative program.
The collaboration will connect everyday Victorians with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by demonstrating how the four areas can improve decision-making, problem solving and business efficiency.
Also involved are science-focussed organisations such as Museums Victoria, the EPA and the Bureau of Meteorology, who will help connect Victorians with cutting-edge technologies and methodologies.
Meanwhile Whittlesea, Ballarat and Monash Tech Schools will help deliver community STEM awareness activities, engaging local communities on key scientific issues such as new health technologies and advanced manufacturing.
Victoria's Inspiring Australia Program complements the Victorian Government's $128 million Tech Schools initiative to establish 10 state-of-the art tech schools across the state to deliver the advanced education and training that Victorian school students will need to flourish in the rapidly changing global economy.
Victoria's Inspiring Australia 2018 activities will include the state's program for National Science Week in August and are planned to kick off from February 2018.​
Originally published by the Victorian State Government Department  of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources
