Sharing solutions for the future

‘The Solutions of the Future’ forum was held in the Legislative Assembly chamber to mark International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated across the globe in February each year.

Research scientist Ruwini Cooray, iSTEM Co-founder Dr Morley Muse and climate scientist Dr Kimberley Reid joined the livestream panel hosted by science journalist Natasha Mitchell.

Ms Cooray is the founder and CEO of biotech start up Neurogen, which is developing tissue-based brain implants, in the hope of one day repairing and restoring functional loss due to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinsons.

‘I think I’ve always been a curious person, because I had a massive influence from my dad,’ she said.

‘What he always said was question everything, question every little thing.’

Managing work/life balance emerged as a point of interest for the participating students.

‘I think the key is to have people who understand you around you. People who know what you’re going through and help you in your journey,’ Ms Cooray said.

A successful chemical, environmental and renewable energy engineer, Dr Muse who champions diversity in STEMM, through gender, disability, culture and language gave her take.

‘When I’m doing something that is very technical, and I hit a roadblock. I take a break. I go for a walk. I go cook, I go gardening, I do something else.’ 

Dr Reid shared the benefits of a novel experience of communicating climate science through joke telling at the Melbourne International Comedy Show.

“ ‘I think it’s really important as scientists to make sure our work gets outside of the lab.’ ”

Dr Kimberley Reid, climate scientist

Dr Reid also talked about overcoming her fear of public speaking.

‘To put it into perspective, when I was 15, 16 I was quite a shy kid. I didn’t like putting my hand up in class and talking in front of people, but over time I realised I was quite good at explaining science to people,’ she said.

‘There’s no real magic bullet. It’s just exposure. The more you do it, the easier it becomes. It’ll be terrifying the first few times.’

The trio also answered questions from the engaged audience on career pathways, life shaping challenges, mentoring and guidance, school education and creative solutions.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Education Nina Taylor MP opened the forum with some encouragement for those watching on.

‘In the coming years around 75 per cent of all new jobs will require qualifications and skills in STEMM fields,’ she said.

‘Whether you want to design video games, tackle climate change, develop lifesaving medical treatments or protect people from cyber security breaches, STEMM will help you to unlock your future.’

The forum was held in partnership with the Royal Society of Victoria, Inspiring Victoria and the Victorian Tech Schools and Specialist Science & Mathematics Centres (Department of Education).

Following the broadcast, Speaker Maree Edwards, patron for the event, thanked all the participants in a video message shared to social media.

‘I was pleased to make the Legislative Assembly chamber available for the important conversations that took place about the way science can help us address many challenges we are facing together,’ she said.

‘Having young people involved in these types of conversations is vital because they are key to shaping the future solutions.’