Professor Scott Sleap

Professor Scott Sleap is a senior STEM education leader with the NSW Department of Education, where he leads large-scale programs that connect schools with industry, universities and community partners to expand opportunity for students across New South Wales. He is Professor of Practice (STEM) at the University of Sydney and an Honorary Professor at the University of Newcastle, bringing deep expertise in education, research, and outreach. Scott holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering and is widely recognised for his impact as a STEM teacher and system leader, including receiving the Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Secondary Science Teaching, the University of Newcastle Alumni National Leadership Award, a Winston Churchill Fellowship, a Commonwealth Bank Teaching Fellowship, and the BAE Systems Global Chairman's Award. Scott has a strong focus on space education and the future space workforce, with international partnerships that connect Australian students and teachers to global space, science and technology networks. He works closely with the Australian Space Agency and a range of national and international partners to create authentic pathways and experiences for young people, particularly those in regional, rural and remote communities. Equity is central to his work, with a strong emphasis on lifting participation for girls and young women in space and STEM, and removing barriers that limit access to high-quality learning, mentoring, and leadership opportunities. Through his Winston Churchill Fellowship, Scott undertook a study tour of the United States to examine leading approaches to STEM and space education, bringing back insights that continue to shape high-impact programs across schools and systems. His work is grounded in a belief that talent is everywhere, and that education, mentorship and real-world opportunity are the levers that allow young people to not only prepare for the future, but actively shape it.