About the ruth dircks ConASTA Scholarship

In 2002, Ruth Dircks was the inaugural winner of the Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools and was awarded $35,000. Ruth generously donated this money to ASTA to promote the attendance and participation of teachers at CONASTA each year. ASTA named this award the “Ruth Dircks CONASTA Scholarships” in her honour.

The Scholarships enable ASTA to support teachers to attend CONASTA.  In 2024 two $1500 scholarships were awarded to support registration, travel and accommodation to attend CONASTA 71 in Melbourne, while three runners–up received complimentary conference passes, each valued at $740.

ASTA Executive Director Guy Micklethwait, Ruth Dircks Scholarship winner Joshua Vardy, Ruth Dircks, ASTA President Margaret Shepherd at CONASTA71, 2024

How to apply for a Ruth Dircks Scholarship

Apply for a Ruth Dircks Scholarship and see what all the CONASTA fuss is about! Applicants must complete an application form (link below). Applications are now open until Sunday 4 May 2025.

Are you eligible?

Applicants must comply with the following criteria to be adjudged eligible for this award:

  1. Reside outside the regional area in which CONASTA is being held that year (approx. 200 km radius).
  2. Have not attended more than two CONASTAs previously.
  3. Be a financial member of a State or Territory Science Teachers Association. 

Applications for the 2025 Ruth Dircks CONASTA Scholarship are now open.

If you have any questions about the Scholarship, please email asta@asta.edu.au or call 02 9346 9600.

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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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