Building the pipeline: How do we ensure equitable access to post-secondary science, technology, engineering and mathematics education?

A Global Access to Post-Secondary Education (GAPS) Initiative Forum supported by the Centre of Excellence for Equity in Higher Education, University of Newcastle, Australia

There has been increasing debate in recent years regarding the importance for economic growth and social progress at national and regional levels, and the importance of increasing the number of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) higher education graduates. It is not only imperative that such graduates are individuals who have the ability to succeed, but also that all students with the ability to succeed have access to STEM higher education.

This invitation-only roundtable discussion brings together those from higher education, business and policy to examine the challenges faced in ensuring equitable access to post-secondary STEM education in Asia, and globally. It is one of a series of three events, with forums to be held in Europe and the USA in 2015. The aim is to develop an agenda for action regarding how to meet these challenges, which will be launched at the 2nd GAPS World Congress in Malaysia in October 2015. GAPS will then work with partners across the world to progress initiatives.

Guest speakers include:

Professor Liz Burd, Pro Vice-Chancellor Learning and Teaching, University of Newcastle, Australia (Chair), and
Dr Graeme Atherton, Chair of the GAPS Initiative. Dr Atherton will outline the work of GAPS and some of the key trends in access to STEM higher education globally.

The forum will also include a number of key policy makers, academics and practitioners from the region who will share their diverse experience in this area.

The Centre of Excellence for Equity in Higher Education would like to extend a warm invitation to any colleagues who would be interested in contributing to this important initiative. Information on the hosts and speakers can be found in the PDF flyer below.

Those interested in attending the forum in Singapore can register their interest, including a short biography, via email to Camilla Fisher (Executive Officer) at ceehe@newcastle.edu.au by 24 October 2014.

Invitation to STEM roundtable forum – Building the pipeline – Singapore (169Kb)