The Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA) is delighted to announce Paula Taylor as its new President for 2026–27. She will be the President-elect for 2025, President 2026–27 and Past President for 2028.

A celebrated leader in STEM education with over 25 years of experience, Paula brings a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to advancing science education across Australia.

Paula has served as Assistant Director at the Academy of Future Skills with the ACT Education Directorate, where she has spearheaded transformative STEM initiatives. She has a proven track record of building innovative programs, forging strategic partnerships with industry and academia, and empowering educators to deliver high-impact learning experiences.

Her leadership extends nationally as Chair of ASTA’s iCubed Science Awards and as a long-time conference convenor for events such as CONASTA, Australia’s premier science educators’ conference. Paula has also served as President of the Science Educators’ Association of the ACT (SEAACT) and has received numerous accolades, including the ACT Public Education Award and the BHP Foundation Science and Engineering Fair Teacher Award.

Outgoing ASTA President Margaret Shepherd will work alongside Paula during the transition years to ensure a seamless handover of leadership. Margaret has been instrumental in driving ASTA’s mission, and her tenure will leave a lasting legacy on the organisation.

Paula expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating:

I am honoured to serve as President-Elect of ASTA and look forward to working with educators, industry, and the wider science community to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. Together, we will continue to champion STEM education as the cornerstone of Australia’s future.

Margaret Shepherd added, ‘It has been a privilege to serve as ASTA’s President. I am thrilled to support Paula in this new chapter and am confident that her vision and dedication will take ASTA to new heights.’

ASTA invites its members and the broader community to join in welcoming Paula Taylor to her new role.

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Phone : (02) 9346 9600
Email : asta@asta.edu.au
Post :  PO Box 334, Deakin West ACT 2600

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The Australian Science Teachers Association acknowledges the First Nations peoples of Australia as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.