Blog icon

About the program

'Adult Future Shapers' recognises those who support young people in Years 5-10 to strengthen their confidence, capability and connection with Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths (STEM).

Five Adult Future Shapers are selected annually to design their own prize to enhance their skills or to help young people develop theirs.

We prioritise opportunities for those who help young people from underrepresented groups in STEM.

Adult Future Shapers is one part of the broader STEM Together program, which is powered by CSIRO and BHP Foundation.

Learn more about STEM Together

Applications are open now!

Become an Adult Future Shaper! Scroll down to see everything you need to know, including a preview of the application questions, then submit your application by 11:59pm AWST on 5 December 2025.

Apply now

The opportunity

Adult Future Shapers can access individualised success plans, virtual events and design their own support package to help them or their community take their interest in STEM further.

This package can include:

  • A tailored resource pack (i.e. equipment, technology, books etc.); OR
  • An experience (i.e. attending a conference or professional development opportunity in Australia or support running a STEM event).

Adult Future Shapers may also choose to present in a CSIRO webinar to share their work, inspire others, and help advance STEM education practices in Australia.

Program eligibility

Adult Future Shapers include, but are not limited to, educators, Elders, parents, STEM professionals, extracurricular activity facilitators or other community members who help young people to build STEM skills.

You don’t need to be an award-winning educator to apply. This program is for anyone helping young people engage with STEM or seeking extra support to do so.

Applicants should be over 18 and support young people in Years 5 to 10 who are from at least one of the following underrepresented groups in STEM:
  • girls
  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students
  • those from regional schools
  • those from lower opportunity areas.

Adult Future Shapers do not need to personally identify as being from these groups.

Applying for Adult Future Shapers is a self-nomination process. If you know someone that would make a great Future Shaper, let them know they can apply!

CSIRO, BHP Foundation and BHP employees and members of their immediate families are not eligible to apply for Adult Future Shapers.

How to apply

Application format: The online form contains five main questions. Please provide written responses (max 200 words each) or a video (max one minute each). See the application preview PDF (199 KB) to see the questions in advance.

Deadline: Submit your application by 11:59pm(AWST) on 5 December 2025.

Before you apply:

  • Read the Terms & Conditions PDF (153 KB).
  • Judges are looking for genuine, specific examples of your work with young people in your submission. Please avoid generic, AI-generated responses.
  • Include contact details for a referee who can verify your application (only referees for shortlisted applicants will be contacted).

If you would prefer to email or post your application contact STEMTogether@csiro.au or call 1300 363 400 to get the form.

Got questions? Register for an online drop-in session:

  • Wednesday, 26 November, 12:00 – 6:30 pm AEDT
  • Tuesday, 2 December, 1:30 – 8:00 pm AEDT
  • Thursday, 4 December, 1:00 – 7:30 pm AEDT

Apply now

News stories

Contact us

Have a question we haven't answered on our site? Fill in our contact form and we'll get back to you promptly.