Defence has launched a Nuclear-Powered Submarine Propulsion Challenge in Australian high schools today, providing a new generation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students the chance to win a trip to HMAS Stirling in Western Australia to see first-hand how submarines work.

The introductory-level, nationwide program will provide teachers with learning resources to help students design their own engineering plans for submarine nuclear propulsion.

The program aims to inspire students to discover how nuclear propulsion works and how it makes submarines more capable.

The challenge is free to enter and open to all high school students in years 7–12.

The winners from each state and territory will have the opportunity to take part in an immersive submariner experience at HMAS Stirling, the home base of Australia’s Collins-class submarines.

Quotes attributable to Rear Admiral Jonathon Earley, Deputy Chief of Navy:

“The Nuclear-Powered Submarine Propulsion Challenge presents an opportunity for students across Australia to gain a greater appreciation of the STEM principles behind one of the most significant national projects ever undertaken in Australia, as we prepare to deliver nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy.

“The classroom curriculum provided through this program seeks to inspire students to be more engaged with STEM subjects and see how they are practically applied in the real world. These students and others like them will be our future submariners, engineers and technicians.

“The winners will experience a visit to HMAS Stirling in Western Australia, tour a Collins-class submarine, dine with submariners and virtually drive a submarine through Sydney Harbour in the submarine bridge training simulator.”

Media note:

Rear Admiral Jonathon Earley, Deputy Chief of Navy is available for interview to discuss the challenge.

More information is available at: https://www.stemhub.com.au/nuclear-submarine-challenge

Media can access imagery at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20231722

Media contact:

Defence Media: media@defence.gov.au

Issued by Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT