One of the biggest conversations taking place across Australia’s healthcare, life sciences and STEMM sectors is how we strengthen the pipeline of future talent.
The challenge is not simply attracting people into science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine. It is helping students, graduates and STEMM professionals understand the career opportunities available to them, develop industry-relevant skills and connect with the organisations shaping the future of healthcare.
That is why the STEM Careers Forum was created.
Running as a dedicated parallel stream within the Health First Summit on 18 February 2027, the STEM Careers Forum has been designed to support the nationwide effort to strengthen Australia’s STEMM pipeline and future workforce. The Forum will bring together STEMM professionals, early-career talent, graduates and industry leaders for an afternoon focused on career pathways, industry insights, employability skills and workforce development.
To help ensure the program remains practical, relevant and aligned with the needs of both talent and employers, the Forum is being guided by an independent Program Committee comprising respected leaders from workforce development, medical affairs and healthcare careers.
Their role is to help shape a program that gives attendees exposure to industry leaders, practical insights into career opportunities, mentoring perspectives and future-focused skills that can support career growth across healthcare, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, life sciences and related sectors.
Why the STEM Careers Forum Matters
Across Australia, organisations continue to invest heavily in healthcare innovation, medical research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, diagnostics, digital health and medical technology. At the same time, many STEMM professionals are looking beyond traditional career pathways and seeking opportunities to apply their skills in industry environments.
Yet for many students, researchers, clinicians and early-career professionals, the pathway into industry remains unclear.
Questions about employer expectations, transferable skills, networking, career transitions and long-term career development are common. The STEM Careers Forum has been designed to address these knowledge gaps by connecting emerging talent with professionals who understand both the opportunities and realities of industry careers.
Importantly, the Forum aims to move beyond assumptions and misconceptions about industry pathways. It will explore the skills employers are looking for, the career options available across different sectors and the practical steps professionals can take to build successful careers beyond traditional pathways.
The Forum will also help attendees build valuable professional connections while engaging directly with potential employers and industry leaders.
Meet the STEM Careers Forum Program Committee
The inaugural STEM Careers Forum Program Committee brings together leaders with significant experience supporting STEMM professionals and workforce development.
Dr Melina Georgousakis
Formerly of Franklin Women, Dr Melina Georgousakis has been a long-standing advocate for supporting STEMM talent and career development across Australia.
Jodi Tainton
President of the Medical Affairs Professionals of Australasia (MAPA) and a medical leader at Pfizer, Jodi brings valuable insights into one of healthcare’s most important industry career pathways and the skills increasingly sought by employers across the sector.
Gisela Mautner
Founder of The Mautner Docs, Gisela has built a strong reputation for helping healthcare professionals explore non-traditional career pathways and better understand the breadth of opportunities available across industry.
Together, the committee provides diverse perspectives spanning STEMM careers, professional development, healthcare leadership and industry engagement.
What the STEM Careers Forum Will Explore
The STEM Careers Forum has been designed for:
- STEMM professionals interested in transitioning into industry roles
- Early-career STEMM talent
- New STEMM graduates
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore industry career pathways, connect with leaders across healthcare and life sciences, better understand what employers look for when hiring and gain practical insights into the capabilities that support long-term career success.
The Forum will also address common myths and misconceptions surrounding industry careers while providing practical information that helps attendees make more informed career decisions.
At a time when organisations across healthcare and life sciences are competing for highly skilled talent, creating stronger connections between industry and the next generation of STEMM professionals has never been more important.
Join the STEM Careers Forum
The STEM Careers Forum will run as part of the Health First Summit on 18 February 2027 at Doltone House Jones Bay Wharf, Sydney.
Event Details
📅 18 February 2027
🕐 1:00pm – 5:00pm
📍 Doltone House Jones Bay Wharf, Sydney
Early bird registrations are available until 30 September 2026.
Whether you are a STEMM professional exploring industry opportunities, an early-career professional looking to broaden your understanding of the healthcare sector or a graduate considering future career pathways, the STEM Careers Forum offers a unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders and connect with the organisations helping shape Australia’s future workforce.
STEM Careers Forum: Bridging STEMM talent and industry for tomorrow.
The Health First Summit is proudly hosted by Health Industry Hub and Hunton Executive.
About Hunton Executive
Executive search, strategic headhunting, and specialist recruitment for healthcare and life sciences organisations. From Board appointments and executive leadership to the specialist capability around them. Permanent, interim and fractional.