Photos: The Victorian Croatian Chamber of Commerce (VCCC), archives
STEMM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine. It represents a group of disciplines that drive innovation, problem-solving, and progress in our modern world. From discovering new medical treatments to building smart technology and creating sustainable solutions for global challenges, STEMM fields are at the heart of shaping the future.
STEMM education and careers are not only about technical skills—they also encourage creativity, critical thinking, and global collaboration. By inspiring young people to pursue opportunities in these areas, we empower the next generation of leaders, inventors, researchers, and changemakers.
The Victorian Croatian Chamber of Commerce (VCCC) has announced a new STEMM Challenge, open to participants across Australia. An information session is currently underway, with two more scheduled, so we spoke with Dr Monika Buljan Jones, VCCC Lead Facilitator and Board member.
What is the VCCC STEMM Challenge, and how did it start?
The VCCC STEMM Challenge is an online program created by the Victorian Croatian Chamber of Commerce (VCCC). 2025 is our fourth year of running the program. It is designed to connect Australian-Croatian youth with leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM). The program was created to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world applications, fostering innovation, collaboration, and cultural exchange between Australia and Croatia and encourage more youth to explore STEMM possibilities. The program is funded by the Central State Office for Croats outside the Republic of Croatia and VCCC sponsors.
How does the program connect Australian-Croatian students with STEMM innovation and cultural exchange?
The challenge provides students with mentorship from accomplished Croatian scientists, inventors, and academics through several online forums. Participants build skills, work on real-world problems, engage in a STEMM project of their choice, and collaborate with Croatian STEMM experts. This cross-cultural exchange strengthens ties between the two countries while promoting scientific and technological advancements. Our experts in the past have come from Microsoft, the Ruđer Bošković Institute, the University of Melbourne and Infobip plus many more.
As we grow the program, in the next few years, we would like to take a group of students to Croatia for a STEMM tour to meet STEMM experts and tour Croatian universities in person.
Real Projects, Real Mentors, Real Impact
Who can apply, and what are the eligibility criteria?
The 2025 program is targeted to Australian-Croatian youth aged 15 to 22 who have an interest in STEMM disciplines. We have accepted students outside this age range on a case by case basis. Applicants should be eager to connect with Croatian academics, professors, and businesses while completing their STEMM project. The program is run in English, online, once a week for several weeks starting mid June 2025.
What are the key benefits for young people joining the challenge?
Participants gain:
• Mentorship from leading Croatian scientists and professionals.
• Networking opportunities with peers and industry experts.
• Hands-on experience solving real-world STEMM project, building skills for a future career.
• Recognition and awards such as cash prizes to further their STEMM interest or project.
What kinds of activities or projects do participants get involved in?
The students attend several one-hour online sessions where there will be short activities and presentations by international Croatian STEMM experts. Students also select an individual STEMM project of their choice to research and present as part of the competition. Their findings are judged by STEMM experts and the best projects are awarded prizes.
This year, the program will have an optional face-to-face day in Melbourne during the school holidays. But the big surprise is that we are also planning our first Youth STEMM Summit weekend (conference) in Canberra in October 2025. The VCCC invites community sponsors, STEMM professionals (especially of Croatian heritage), inspiring speakers, potential employers and of course, students interested in STEMM to network, get curious and be inspired about the opportunities.
Info Sessions: How to Register and Get Started
How are mentors involved, and what impact do they have?
Mentors, including renowned Croatian scientists and academics, provide guidance, feedback, and industry insights. Past mentors include Professor Frances Separovic, a distinguished biophysical chemist, and Professor Ivan Marusic, an expert in mechanical engineering. Anyone interested in being a mentor should reach out and fill in our online form on our website www.vcccprojects.com.
How can someone register for the info sessions, and what can they expect?
Free info sessions are available online in May – both students and parents are welcome to attend. Attendees will learn about the program structure, benefits, and application process. Please register by following the link on our VCCC website www.vcccprojects.com which will take you to Eventbrite. Questions can also be directed to Dr Buljan Jones via email at vcccprojects@gmail.com.
Why should parents, educators, or sponsors support the program?
The STEMM challenge empowers young Croatian-Australians, helping them develop STEMM skills, build professional networks, and strengthen their cultural roots. Sponsors and educators play a crucial role in supporting future leaders and fostering innovation, promotion and community.
Sponsorship goes towards the student program and related activities or expenses. Everyone involved, including the organisers and speakers have all been working in a volunteer capacity. We are so grateful to have many local and international Croatian STEMM experts who are so generous with their time.
What is the deadline or timeline for the 2025 program?
Participants are encouraged to register as soon as possible to secure your place. We encourage you to come to an online information session first. Otherwise, you can fill out our form on the bottom of the VCCC website. www.vcccprojects.com. Registrations close 9 June 2025.
How does the VCCC STEMM Challenge shape future leaders?
By connecting young minds with industry experts, the challenge inspires innovation, leadership, and scientific discovery. It also strengthens ties between Australia and Croatia, ensuring that future generations continue to contribute to STEMM advancements globally. We encourage everyone to promote the VCCC STEMM Challenge, get involved or become a sponsor to support this great initiative.
Join one of free online info sessions to learn about the 2025 VCCC STEMM Challenge!
Whether you’re a potential participant, parent, or future sponsor, you’ll get the full scoop on this unique experience connecting Aussie-Croatian students to the world of STEMM innovation and cultural exchange.
Online | Australia-wide
Discover:
What the VCCC STEMM Challenge is all about
How to get involved
Meet the team + hear real stories from past participants
Live Q&A to answer all your questions
Choose the session/s that suit you:
8pm AEST, Tuesday 20 May
8pm AEST, Wednesday 28 May
How to Register:
Sign up directly for info session via Facebook Events ticket link OR
Visit www.vcccprojects.com to:
Register for your preferred info sessions
OR express interest in joining the full 2025 program
Spaces are limited & this national program starts in June, so don’t wait!