08:45

Opening Remarks from the Chair

08:50

KEYNOTE ADDRESS | An update on the Defence Industry Skilling and STEM Strategy

Dr Peter Sawczak, First Assistant Secretary Defence Industry Policy, Department of Defence

09:15

KEYNOTE | Defence’s next generation of technology and capability: What skills will the workforce require to operate and utilise these?

• 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?

Senior Representative, Defence Science & Technology Group

09:40

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

Major General Natasha Fox, Head of People Capability Division, Department of Defence

10:05

CSIRO Education & Outreach Programs

• Partnering with industry to deliver STEM programs
• Delivering STEM education across Australia
• A look at specific CSIRO programs such as the STEM Professionals in Schools project

Susan Burchill, Director – Education & Outreach, CSIRO

10:30

Morning Tea & Networking Break

11:00

Hanwha & Deakin MoU

Tim Pickford Director – Business Development & Strategy, Hanwha
Genevieve Reid, Director, Research Sectorial Partnerships, Government and Industry, Deakin University

11:25

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

• What are the key skills 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?

Rebecca Andrews, Head – Queensland, AI Group
Dr Peter Sawczak, First Assistant Secretary Defence Industry Policy, Department of Defence
Susan Burchill, Director – Education & Outreach, CSIRO
Sandra James, Senior Manager – University Relations & STEM, Boeing

12:05

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

Gary Stewart, Managing Director, Rheinmetall Australia

12:30

Lunch

13:30

CASE STUDY | 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 Lifesaving Australia

13:50

CASE STUDY | 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

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

14:15

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 Sue Keay, CEO, Queensland AI Hub

14:40

CASE STUDY | STEM Sista

 Teresa Janowski, Founder & CEO, STEM Fast Track

15:05

Afternoon Tea & Networking Break

15:35

ROUNDTABLE | Developing a diverse and inclusive STEM skilled 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

Senior Representative, BAE Systems
Dr Huon Curtis, Analyst & Project Manager, ASPI

16:15

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

Senior Representative, Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre

16:40

Defence Industry Skilling and STEM projects in the Hunter region

• Focus on RDA Hunter’s ME Program
• Multi-prime and SME industry-schools partnership
• Industry case studies

Rick Evans, Manager, Skilled Workforce Programs, RDA Hunter

17:05

Closing Remarks from the Chair

17:10

End of Conference & Networking Drinks