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.
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:
- Reside outside the regional area in which CONASTA is being held that year (approx. 200 km radius).
- Have not attended more than two CONASTAs previously.
- 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 0428 219 438.
Our Partners
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.