On the 9th of July 2021, Esplora Interactive Science Centre, on behalf of the Malta Council for Science and Technology and together with the STEM Engagement Working Group, which brings together professionals in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, celebrated the National STEM Awards ceremony, an event which was also live streamed to the general public. There were 10 trophies in total and with great satisfaction, we would like to confirm, that the winners all deserve to be role models for us all, especially for children and young adults.
In fact, although only ten trophies could be awarded for the ten categories of the Awards, we have far more local models to choose from, and it is worth specifying at once that the calibre of the nominees and organizations was so high that the choice of first, second and third place was a very tough pit for the evaluators. A list of the winners and all the nominated persons has been published on the Esplora website.
Why is it so important that Malta honours the professionals that work in the STEM categories?
The most obvious reason is that these professionals do a very useful job that improves the lives of all of us. This work is often done in silence, but it does not have to be so – it is appropriate for society to encourage and value those who are doing so much good. Another reason is that it is important for everyone to understand that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are everywhere and in every area of our lives.
According to Jobsplus, the number of jobs in the scientific and technical sectors have increased significantly between 2013 and 2019 and this tendency will continue. This is also true on a global level. According to a study by Microsoft, by 2030, there will be more than 50 million jobs in the world that require STEM-related skills. The link between the challenges of the current world, like climate change, pollution, and sustainable development cannot be overemphasised.
This means that more graduates in STEM subjects will be needed, and that we should therefore do our best to encourage girls and boys to choose scientific and technological subjects and take the first steps towards a career in the sought-after fields of biotechnology, engineering, renewable energy technology, 3D printing, water management, robotics, and so on. An additional effort must be made to make everyone understand that these topics and jobs are not just for men but for everyone, regardless of gender.
Esplora and other organizations with the same vision are focusing substantially on stereotypes that prevent girls from engaging in STEM topics. Although in Malta we have a very high level of ICT graduates for instance, the percentage of women graduates in the subject remains low, and the same can be said for other courses in engineering and mathematics.
Research shows that one of the tools that can be used to inspire younger generations and engage them in STEM subjects is to create positive role models. As the Commissioner for the Promotion of Equality, Renee Laivieria, rightly said in an article published in the Times of Malta in 2018, in their general education children often learn about Pythagoras, Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo Galilei, Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton or Albert Einstein. But they are rarely exposed to the impressive careers of Mary Anning, Rosalind Franklin, or Katherine Johnson. And how many of them know about the pioneering role in the development of the first computer played by the daughter of the poet Lord Byron, Ada Lovelace?
Schoolchildren learn even less about other Maltese scientists, professionals, and contemporaries. It is also because of this that the National STEM Awards have been launched, and that they have included a specific Award entitled Women in STEM.
Among others, they also included an award for artistic projects on a STEM theme, to emphasize the fact that science and art need each other and that together they lead to the greatest successes.
We hope that children and young people in particular will be inspired by the achievements of the winners and nominees and will continue to follow the scientific, technological, engineering, and mathematical developments that they have driven and strengthened. Visit this page on our website and read more about Irene Sciriha, Joseph Borg, Sabrina Camilleri, Marie Briguglio, Alexandra Bonnici, the Baxter company, the Acoustics and Wild for Orchids projects, the Science in the City Festival, and the dance on a scientific theme of Moveo Dance Company.
Nominations for the STEM National Awards will reopen in 2023, in what we hope will continue to be a beautiful tradition of creating positive national role models.
