HunterWiSE inspires the next generation in STEM

 On Tuesday 21 January, more than 650 students, teachers, parents, community, industry and University colleagues gathered at the University of Newcastle's Great Hall to celebrate the next generation of women in STEM.

Students from Hunter School of the Performing Arts demonstrate their digital prototype

The 2025 HunterWiSE Presentation Night marked the culmination of HunterWiSE' 10-week outreach program, which engages Year 8 girls from across the Hunter region in a hands-on exploration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Guided by University of Newcastle student mentors, participants worked in teams to identify issues in their communities and design STEM-based solutions that could make a real difference.

Celebrating creativity and community in STEM

This year’s program reached 170 students from 12 high schools, forming 45 teams that presented their ideas to industry judges during a fast-paced showcase. Projects were displayed through research posters, prototypes and elevator pitches, with awards presented across three categories: Outstanding Poster, People’s Choice, and Outstanding Project.

Nine student teams received prizes for their innovative solutions in the 2025 program. This year's winning solutions included:

• Biogas Digester for Dungog - a community biogas system tackling green waste and transport challenges (Dungog High School - Outstanding Poster)

• Women’s Safety Ring - a wearable ring that sends an SOS alert via Bluetooth when activated (Hunter School of the Performing Arts - People’s Choice Award)

• Chuck A Vote: A Waste Management Incentive – a smart bin that lets students “vote” by correctly disposing of rubbish, linked to a teacher-facing website to track results (Toronto High School - Outstanding Project)

STEM learning through connection and belonging

HunterWiSE Outreach is a targeted initiative designed to shift perceptions of STEM among young women by demonstrating its relevance and impact, and connecting students with female role models. The program takes a project-based learning approach that connects students with mentors, teachers, and industry professionals – helping them see themselves as future scientists, engineers, and innovators.

HunterWiSE’s influence extends beyond the classroom. Student projects have attracted attention from local governments, regional businesses and community organisations – demonstrating the capacity of young people to drive meaningful change.

I truly love this program and the opportunity it gives to our girls," said a Toronto High School teacher. “This year, we had quite a creative group of students, and it was wonderful to see them realise that their creativity is highly valued and relevant in STEM."

Building the future STEM pipeline

HunterWiSE was founded in 2017 by seven female academics from the University of Newcastle, representing engineering, chemistry, IT, computer science, psychological sciences, and STEM education. Since then, the initiative has empowered more than 900 young women to see themselves – and feel they belong – in STEM. Over that time, more than 100 University of Newcastle student mentors have been employed, drawn from every University of Newcastle engineering discipline and in science fields including chemistry, biomedical, psychological, and biological sciences. Their impact is lasting, with former participants now enrolling at the University and returning as mentors themselves.

HunterWiSE fosters connection, collaboration, and belonging – the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive STEM workforce in the Hunter region. Presentation Night showcased the potential of the region’s girls to become the next generation of changemakers, applying STEM expertise to create positive impact in communities.

If the future of the Hunter region is shaped by this cohort, it is in very good hands.

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HunterWiSE initiatives are made possible through the combined support of the University of Newcastle and its valued industry partners, including Glencore, Hunter Water, Ampcontrol, Bradken, NCIG, GHD, Lake Macquarie City Council, Orica, Transport for NSW, Quarry Mining, Impervium Solutions, Whiteley, AECOM, Monadelphous and Tomago Aluminium.

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Contact

• Leah Kiem
• Phone: 02 4921 5085
• Email: hunterwise@newcastle.edu.au

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Science and Engineering Challenge celebrates National Finals

 Eight schools from around Australia compete at the national finals!

Emmaus Christian School celebrate their win!

More than 240 High School students from eight schools across the country put their Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics skills to the test at the national finals of The University of Newcastle’s Science and Engineering Challenge (SEC) held on 31 October at NUSport at the Forum.

As Australia’s leading STEM outreach program, this year’s SEC National Finals marked 25 years since the program’s inception, during which almost half a million students have participated in SEC events.

This year, more than 26,000 students from 871 schools competed in the challenge, with the top teams from around the country coming together in Newcastle to compete for the title of National Champions 2025.

Local school Belmont Christian College competed against teams from Auburn High School (VIC), Launceston Christian School (TAS), Marist College Emerald (QLD), Emmaus Christian School (ACT/NSW), Margaret River Senior High School (WA), Pembroke School (SA) and a combined team representing Darwin Middle and High School (NT).

When the final scores were totalled, Emmaus Christian School achieved the top spot with a score of 1426.15, claiming the title of National Champions for 2025.

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said that the program continues to play a key role in inspiring future generations to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics careers.

“Over the past 25 years, the Science and Engineering Challenge has become a nationally recognised program, helping students build practical skills through hands-on activities that show them what scientists and engineers actually do,” Professor Zelinsky said.

“We’re really proud of the way the challenge gives students from all backgrounds a chance to get involved and see themselves in an exciting career, and we know that many students actually tell us that the Science and Engineering Challenge helped convince them to study a STEM degree, which is fantastic.”

The program has a strong focus on equity, with more than half of the students who participated from rural or remote areas, 48% participants were female, and 6% were First Nations students.

Watch the live stream of the end of day finale.

For more information on future Science and Engineering Challenge events go to our website www.newcastle.edu.au/challenge

Contact

• Lisa Campbell
• Phone: 0448971846
• Email: lisa.m.campbell@newcastle.edu.au

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Sustainable beauty innovators and blood donation champions among students recognised at Employability Excellence Awards

 The University of Newcastle has recognised its next generation of change-makers, from entrepreneurs tackling waste and sustainability, to passionate leaders driving community health initiatives, at this year’s Employability Excellence Awards.

_{The group of 2025 Employability Excellence Awards student winners and highly commended.}

Celebrating the achievements of seven students, along with invaluable staff and industry partners, the awards highlighted the transformative impact of Career-ready Placements, extracurricular activities and innovative teaching.

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky, says the awards reflect the University’s commitment to producing life-ready graduates who can make an impact from day one.

“These students are already at the forefront of innovation and creativity in their respective fields. Our University is proud to offer a wide range of opportunities that enable students to develop their employability skills and gain professional experience, such as Career-Ready Placements,” Professor Zelinsky said.

“The awards recognise students who’ve not only demonstrated leadership, but also the curiosity and courage to turn their ideas into meaningful action, with over 90 students nominated this year,” Professor Zelinsky said.

The awards also acknowledge the crucial role of staff and employers in creating valuable placement opportunities. Eight organisations have been inducted into the University’s Hall of Fame for their ongoing support and collaboration.

Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Belinda Tynan, said industry partners play an essential role in shaping future-ready graduates.

“Our programs are designed in partnership with employers to ensure our graduates have the skills and mindset to thrive in an evolving workforce,” Professor Tynan said.

The University’s strong focus on employability will continue into 2026, with more than 14,000 students completing an industry placement in the past 12 months.

Student Entrepreneur of the Year – Claudia Bruinsma 

PhD candidate in Biological Sciences Claudia Bruinsma has been named Student Entrepreneur of the Year for her pioneering work in sustainable biotechnology.

While studying her PhD, Claudia founded Zyora, a startup turning brewery and biotech by-products into skincare.

Inspired by a desire to rethink how society uses waste and resources, Claudia has built on her previous venture experience, where she attracted support from the CSIRO, Federal Government, and the University’s Integrated Innovation Network (I2N) Accelerator program.

“The impact I'm hoping to create with Zyora is getting rid of one of our major waste streams. Breweries and wineries create hundreds of thousands of tonnes of bio waste every year, we’re using that to create everyday products.”

“We're enabling that circular economy in an industry where that probably wasn't thought about. As a scientist, you don't think you're going to be winning entrepreneur awards. I'm grateful I can take this and show people that the pathway to commercialisation is a real one, and not a scary one,” Claudia said.

Student Employability Achievement Award – Joseph Hill

Data science and mathematics student Joseph Hill has received an Employability Achievement Award for his commitment to tackling pressing societal challenges through community action and research.

Joseph founded NuBlood, a student-led club promoting and facilitating regular blood donations.

“I always saw there was a deficit in blood donation and felt like there are so many people that would just donate if it was organised for them,” Joseph said.

“NuBlood acts as a simple and accessible way to do blood donation and get more students involved in a community service.”

He has also helped develop a research proposal, analysing the sustainability of the Age Pension amid rising rental costs, using advanced statistical modelling, which could potentially be used to inform national policy outcomes.

Student Career-ready Placement Award – Joe Alcorn

Joe Alcorn secured a placement opportunity with Dantia, Lake Macquarie’s leading economic development company, through Newcastle Business School. Through his placement, Joe led one of Dantia’s key operational plan actions, to strengthen Lake Macquarie’s identity as a place for investment. Drawing on extensive economic and social data, Joe developed a clear narrative showcasing why businesses should invest in four key suburbs across the region.

Transforming complex data into compelling content, Joe has created case studies and video scripts tailored to potential investors. His work is now featured on Dantia’s website, supporting the organisation’s mission to attract and retain business in the Lake Macquarie area.

See the full list of winners and find out more about the awards here.

_{Employability Excellence Awards Staff winners}

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University of Newcastle previews new Gosford building

 The University of Newcastle has taken a major step in expanding higher education on the Central Coast, with construction now complete on the new Gosford Central building on Mann Street ahead of its Semester 1, 2026 opening.

Prospective students, schools, parents, industry and Central Coast locals will get the chance to tour the facility at a Sneak Peek event on Monday 1 December from 3-7pm.

This special event is an opportunity to explore the building, meet University staff and students, and discover the exciting study and career pathways available on the Central Coast.

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said the new building is designed to bring together students, staff, industry partners, and the wider community in one vibrant setting.

“With the finishing touches now applied and the keys handed over, we look forward to welcoming staff to their new workplace from mid-December, and seeing the building come to life with students in 2026,” Professor Zelinsky said.

“This marks a significant milestone in expanding higher education access on the Central Coast and reflects our long-term commitment to the Central Coast and its people.”

“Applications are now open to study at Gosford Central in 2026. Staff will be on site at the Sneak Peek event to help with student questions and applications.”

University of Newcastle Executive Dean, Central Coast Campus Professor Michael Bowyer, said providing students with a great university experience on the Central Coast was a priority for the University of Newcastle.

“The University and Central Coast community have eagerly anticipated seeing Gosford Central come to life and watched as this remarkable building has taken shape,” Professor Bowyer said.

“This state-of-the art facility is more than just bricks and mortar; it embodies our commitment to accessible, inclusive, and future-focused education, research, and community engagement.

“Programs on offer at Gosford Central are Business and Commerce, Social Work and Social Science, Education and Open Foundation. Students can expect world-class facilities allowing them to study close to home and connect with industry.”

The new 4-storey building, located in the heart of Gosford expands the University of Newcastle’s Central Coast footprint, adding to locations at Ourimbah and Gosford Hospital.

Gosford Central has been funded by the University of Newcastle ($31.3 million), the Australian Government ($18 million), and the NSW Government ($18 million) using land provided by the NSW Government's Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation.

The official grand opening of Gosford Central is anticipated to take place in 2026.

Register now to secure your spot at the Gosford Central Sneak Peek event: www.newcastle.edu.au/sneakpeek

Building facts and figures

• 4,550 m² over 4 floors.
• 884m² of teaching space
• 762m² of learning / social space
• 315 m² office space
• Industry and community engagement space for 100 people
• Flexible teaching and learning spaces, including seminar rooms, collaborative areas, and student experience zones that foster connection.
• Café, retail space, social student hubs and gathering areas

Contact

• Martha Tattersall
• Phone: 0413129503
• Email: martha.tattersall@newcastle.edu.au

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