Join us online for a special, future-focussed panel discussion, broadcast from the Parliament of Victoria’s Legislative Assembly, to mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This event will convene three remarkable women leaders in fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) to discuss finding The Solutions of the Future. 

To be broadcast from the Parliament of Victoria at http://vicparl.news/broadcast from 12pm on Friday, 21 February, 2025.

Our secondary school students are the scientists and problem-solvers of tomorrow, and young women from across the State of Victoria are invited to Parliament House to help explore the future problems facing our society – our climate, energy, and health – and discuss how the next generation can be prepared to find new solutions.

This engaging session will highlight the challenges facing our world and the innovative solutions that STEM can offer. Be part of the conversation, connect with inspiring role models, and discover how you can shape a better future through science. Don’t miss this opportunity to ignite your passion for STEM and start your journey toward solving global challenges.

The discussion will be hosted by ABC Science journalist and presenter Natasha Mitchell with the support of Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, The Hon. Maree Edwards MP.

Our Speakers

Future Health – Ruwini Cooray

Ruwini Cooray is a scientist working at the intersection of neuroscience and genetics. With a BSc Hons in Biomedical Science and an MSc in Biotechnology from the UK, she has over eight years of experience as a lead research scientist and currently serves as an honorary scientist.

Having recently submitted her PhD thesis in Neurogenetics at Deakin University, Ruwini has founded Neurogen, a biotech startup developing advanced biological brain implants to treat neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Her goal is to break through traditional barriers, harness innovation, and embrace diversity to address complex healthcare challenges associated with the brain.

Future Climate – Dr Kim Reid

Dr Kim Reid completed her PhD at the University of Melbourne in 2022. Her thesis explored Atmospheric Rivers in Australia and New Zealand. Her research to date has focused on understanding rainfall, including its causes, future changes and how we can better predict it.

From 2022-2024, she worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Monash University. At the end of 2024, she started work as a research fellow at the University of Melbourne studying the impacts of fog and low cloud on transport and solar energy.

Kim is also a passionate science communicator who often appears in the media to explain climate and weather to broad audiences. She gave evidence for the New South Wales and Victorian Government inquiries into the 2022 floods and performed a stand-up comedy routine about climate science at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Future Energy – Dr Morley Muse

Dr Morley Muse is a Chemical, Environmental, and Renewable Energy Engineer with expertise in waste-to-energy, wastewater treatment and energy transition technologies. She holds multiple leadership roles, including Board Director at Women in STEMM Australia and Co-chair of Science & Technology Australia’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Executive Committee.

Morley champions women in STEM and gender equity through her award-winning programs iSTEM Co. and DEIR.AI. She was previously an Elevate Advisory Panel member with the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering and is a past ambassador of CSIRO’s Innovation Catalyst Global, promoting women in STEM leadership. She also contributes to the RISE Expert Panel with Diversity Council Australia, and mentors senior women in STEM through Science and Technology Australia’s “Superstars of STEM” Program. As an Energy Reference Group member with Jemena Energy, she supports renewable energy transition strategies.