The STEMM Solutions Task
- Identify a problem in your local community or in wider Tasmania.
- Research your problem. Check out our ‘How to conduct research’ resource below! You might want to answer questions like:
- What is known about it?
- Does this problem occur elsewhere in the world?
- Do any solutions currently exist?
- Create a new solution to the problem using STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and/or medicine).
- Pitch your problem and solution to us! Check out the Spark Tasmania resource on ‘How to pitch’ here: https://learn.enterprize.space/courses/Spark-2025-Student-Portal
Your pitch can be submitted as:
- A written pitch (Max. 750 words)
- A video (Max. 2 minutes)
- A piece of art (accompanied by 100 words)
- Any other format you can think of! A song, a poem, a dance – it’s up to you!
Important Information – Enterprise Spark Course:
- When you sign up, instead of putting the name of your school, please write ‘STEMM Solutions for Our Island’ in the school category.
- This course is to help you through the process of developing an idea to pitching it. You do not need to submit the final task at the end.
- This portal is not where you submit your entry to our competition, please submit your entry via the google form linked below.
SUBMISSIONS DUE: 9th November 2025
Submission Form: Submit your pitch here!
Participation Requirements
You are eligible to participate if you are:
- In grade 10-12 in Tasmania
- Identify as female, femme or non-binary
- Passionate about lutruwita/Tasmania, creativity, problem solving and/or STEMM (science, technology, engineering, maths or medicine)
You can participate as an individual or in a group of up to 4 people. All group members will receive prizes and will be able to participate in the podcast recording if your entry is selected as a winner.
If you have any questions or you are unsure about any part of the competition requirements, please send us an email at nowsciencetas@gmail.com.
Our judges
Alex Paton (she/her)
Alex is an ecologist who loves finding clever ways to study animals without disturbing them. Her research has focused on cats, wallabies, carp, and seabirds, all of which has involved modern technology to answer complex biological questions. Alex is passionate about protecting Tasmania’s wildlife and sharing science with the community. When she’s not out in the bush, she enjoys creating science activities for schools, stage shows, and teaching at the university.
Hannah Mccleary (she/her)
Hannah has a study and career background in environmental science and law. She currently works as an evaluation project officer for STEM education and outreach programs. Hannah has previously been involved at TWICS as a cohost and is passionate about effective and inclusive science communication.
Teresa o’rourke (she/her)
Teresa is Programs and Regional Events Coordinator at Enterprize, Tasmania’s startup space. Now based in Launceston, Teresa brings 10+ years experience working in UK research institutions in both academic and professional roles, and previously worked in the UK’s innovation sector supporting startups in the life sciences, with a focus on med tech and health tech.
Zoe Kean (she/her)
Zoe lives in lutruwita/Tasmania, an island at the bottom of the world. An award-winning science writer with a focus on evolution, ecology, and the environment. Her debut book, ‘Why are we like this?’ was published in 2024, and tackles nine evolution paradoxes that touch all our lives.
Zoe honed her writing and radio skills with the best at the ABC Science Unit as the Darren Osborne Regional Science Cadet (2019). She has published in The Guardian, the ABC online, The Best Australian Science Writing 2022, 2023, and 2024, Cosmos magazine and with the BBC. Her love for science cannot be contained to the page. Zoe also gives talks, makes science TikTok videos and regularly appears on live radio. She is passionate about supporting scientists, especially to communicate their work effectively and ethically.