Tasmania’s top science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) educators, communicators, researchers, and innovators were honoured last night at the 2025 Tasmanian STEM Excellence Awards. The Awards are supported by the Tasmanian Government, Inspiring Australia Tasmania, and the University of Tasmania. The annual event celebrates individuals and organisations whose work is shaping and inspiring the future of STEM in Tasmania and beyond.
To celebrate ten years of recognising researchers, innovators, communicators and educators excelling in STEM, the Awards were held at Government House with Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC presenting the Awards for each category.
The Premier’s Tasmanian STEM Researcher of the Year was awarded to Dr Gintaras Kantvilas. Dr Kantvilas is the Head of the Tasmanian Herbarium at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and an internationally recognised expert on the lichens of Tasmania with over 300 publications and more than 330 new species described. His pioneering taxonomic research has positioned Tasmania as a leader in lichenology.
The Early Career Researcher of the Year was awarded to Dr Calum Cunningham, a Research Fellow in pyrogeography at the University of Tasmania. Dr Cunningham’s work on extreme wildfires and climate change has garnered global attention. His research informs bushfire risk reduction strategies and biodiversity conservation, with direct applications for Tasmanian communities and international adaptation efforts.
Kaleb Clark has won the Secondary Teacher of the Year Award. A STEM and Digital Technologies teacher at Queechy High School, Mr Clark leads innovative programs that connect classroom learning with real-world applications, building confidence and capability in students across multiple disciplines. These initiatives include programs such as the Queechy STEM Showcase and STEM Racing Tasmania. His work connects classroom learning with real-world applications, fostering strong STEM pathways and industry partnerships.
The STEM Communicator of the Year Award was awarded to Zoe Kean, an award-winning science writer and broadcaster. Zoe Kean’s work spans print, radio, social media, and live events. Her debut book Why Are We Like This? and her role as a science communicator on ABC platforms, social media, and at festivals have brought Tasmanian science to national and global audiences, inspiring curiosity and critical thinking across diverse communities.
Yarn Spinner Pty Ltd have taken home the Minister’s STEM Innovation of the Year Award. A Hobart-based spinoff from Secret Lab Pty Ltd, Yarn Spinner has revolutionised how writers and developers collaborate on interactive stories. Their tools, Yarn Spinner 3 and Story Solver, are revolutionising interactive storytelling in games, powering titles like Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown and Dredge, and establishing Tasmania as an international centre for narrative game technology innovation.
