Plans are afoot for a second STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Educators Forum for next year.

House of Science NZ, a not-for-profit organisation, hosted the inaugural STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Educators Forum at the Atrium Conference Centre in Otumoetai this month.

Sponsored by Priority One, this event was a unique opportunity for STEM organisations working with students from around Aotearoa to meet, collaborate and strategise.

The inaugural event was well attended with 25 different STEM providers, including Nanogirl Labs, STEM Wana Trust, Education Perfect, Genesis School-gen and The Wonder Project, coming together to network and participate in workshops covering relevant topics such as ‘sustainable funding’ and ‘curriculum changes’.

Other highlights of the day were presentations by leading science experts Professor Mike Bunce (Chief Science Advisor from the Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai), Sir Ian Taylor KNZM (Mātauranga) and science communicator and House of Science Ambassador Dr Joel Rindelaub.

STEM Educators Forum workshop in action.

A politician panel hosted by Sir Ian Taylor provided organisations with insights from ACT, Labour and National party science and education MPs, about what they envisage for the future of STEM education in New Zealand.

“It was an honour to host this event and provide an opportunity for these organisations, who are doing such important work, to connect and collaborate,” says House of Science founder and chief executive Chris Duggan, reflecting on the day.

“We are all facing similar challenges but rarely get the chance to sit down together to strategise how we can support each other better.”

Based on the incredibly positive feedback received on the day, House of Science intends to host the successful event again as an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding work STEM education providers are doing across the country for our future generations.

Sam Uffindell (National Party MP), left, Chris Duggan, Sir Ian Taylor, Angela Roberts (Labour List MP), Chris Baillie (ACT List MP).

Some of the STEM display stations – organisations are DEVORA and Ministry of Inspiration.