09:00

ADM Opening

Kylie Leonard, Associate Publisher, Australian Defence Magazine Group

09:05

Opening Remarks from the Chair

Michael Holmstrom, CEO, STEM Punks

09:10

KEYNOTE | Defence’s next generation of technology and capability

• How is technology and innovative capability developing and what does this mean for Defence employees?
• Where will significant changes in technology be felt most?
• What does this mean for Defence Science and Technology Group?

Dr Melanie Fuller, Director Workforce Capability and Talent, Defence Science and Technology Group

09:35

KEYNOTE | The Future Structure of the Defence Workforce – How will the changing capabilities of the ADF impact Defence recruitment?

• Structural and skill changes needed to combat future threats
• cyber, intelligence, AI etc.
• Engagement with industry and education providers Senior Representative, Department of Defence

Major General Wade Stothart DSC, AM, CSC, Head People Capability, Department of Defence

10:00

You can’t be what you can’t see: women in STEM and Australia’s Space Industry

Julia Dickinson, Chief Engineer – Military Satellite Communications, Lockheed Martin Australia

10:25

Morning Tea & Networking Break

10:50

Investment in STEM education and building a workforce around Rheinmetall’s Ipswich hub

Lee Davis, General Manager Tactical Tracked Vehicles, Rheinmetall Defence Australia

11:15

Hanwha & Deakin MoU

Katherine Ziesing, Strategic Communications Manager, Hanwha
Genevieve Reid, Director, Research Sectorial Partnerships, Government and Industry, Deakin University

11:40

ROUNDTABLE | Developing a diverse and inclusive STEM workforce

• Improving opportunities for women in STEM
• Recruiting and developing older workers and those returning to the workforce
• STEM pathways and programs for Indigenous students

Dr Huon Curtis, Analyst & Project Manager, ASPI
Teresa Janowski, CEO & Founder, STEM Fast Track
Jackie Carpenter, Managing Director, One Giant Leap Australia Foundation
Moderator: Michael Holmstrom, CEO, STEM Punks

12:15

How AI and Machine Learning can transform the delivery of Defence capability

• Opportunities for improving remote-sensing, situ­ational-awareness and battlefield-maneuverability through AI and machine learning
• Global achievements for AI use in Defence
• Lessons learnt from AI deployment in other sectors
• Exploring Ethical AI issues for Defence

Dr Kelvin Ross, Board Member, Queensland AI Hub

12:40

Lunch

13:35

ADM Student Program Check-In

13:40

KEYNOTE | Modelled after the long running Defence & Industry Study Course, the Defence & Industry STEM Study Course (DISTEM-SC) is a collaborative program between Defence, Industry and the Tech Schools in Victoria. The program seeks to:

• engage Year 9 students from all strata of society and all regions of Victoria to explore and discover the manifold STEM career opportunities; and
• enable aspiring Year 9 STEM students to establish and nurture meaningful friendships with peers from around Victoria and create useful networks with professionals in the STEM sector.

DISTEM-SC will run over an academic year with three residential elements to enable students to experience what real-life STEM careers look like through site visits to Defence and Industry facilities; explore a variety of STEM career paths through visiting the various Tech School in Victoria; and collaborate with peers and STEM professionals as they solve Defence-themed problems.

Bob Teunisse, Manager – Science, Technology & Innovation – Air Domain Centre, Department of Defence

14:05

ROUNDTABLE | Defence, Industry & Education’s Collaborative Investment in STEM

• What are the key attributes Defence employers will require in the future?
• How best can STEM programs be coordinated between sectors?
• Cross-sector competition for the brightest minds: How should Defence & Industry approach this?

Mel Ireland, Policy & Project Lead – QLD, AI Group
Sandra James, Senior Manager – University Relations & STEM, Boeing
Major General Wade Stothart DSC, AM, CSC, Head People Capability, Department of Defence
Moderator: Michael Holmstrom, CEO, STEM Punks

14:40

ADF Drone Racing in 2020 – Our best year yet, despite COVID

• ADF Drone Racing STEM Outreach objectives did not stop during 2020
• ADF Drone Racing was the only STEM / Recruiting / Sport to not take a hit in 2020
• Let’s talk about why: Innovative pilots and flexibility were key

WGCDR Keirin Joyce, Chief Engineer – RPAS, Royal Australian Air Force

15:05

Afternoon Tea & Networking Break

15:25

ADM Student Program Check-In

15:30

Building a STEM pipeline for the Defence Industry from Primary School

Teresa Janowski, CEO & Founder, STEM Fast Track

15:55

Strategic projects and community engagement programs at Questacon

• Inspiring young people to enjoy science
• Initiatives in the wider community and creating opportunities for people to become involved in programs close to home
• Continuing the work of Questacon throughout the pandemic

Dr Bobby Cerini, Deputy Director and General Manager of Science and Learning, Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre

16:20

Classroom Drone Essentials Program

• Our team of UAV Educators explores applications of UAV technology, through their experience of flying UAVs for wildlife surveillance, emergency response, event safety, and swimmer safety
• Exploring how UAVs are used for our other business areas away from the beach, like mapping, 3D modelling, and surveying
• Considering and explaining unconscious bias
• Practical learning through experience: we guide the students to fly UAVs in a safe indoor environment, and start to integrate some coding and automated flight missions

Paul Hardy, AUAVS Manager & Chief Remote Pilot, Surf Life Saving NSW

16:45

Closing Remarks from the Chair

Michael Holmstrom, CEO, STEM Punks

16:50

End of Conference & Networking Drinks