Museums Victoria and Swinburne University of Technology announce learning partnership

Museums Victoria and Swinburne University of Technology are proud to announce a new three-year partnership, appointing Swinburne as Museums Victoria’s exclusive learning partner across a suite of flagship exhibitions, festivals and education programs.  

The partnership, announced today on International Day of Women and Girls in Science, brings together two of Victoria's most influential institutions in education, research and public engagement, united by a shared commitment to inspire curiosity, innovation and a lifelong love of learning across science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).  

Dr Heather Handley, Senior Curator of Geosciences at the Museums Victoria Research Institute joined Swinburne Chief Scientist Professor Virginia Kilborn at Scienceworks to launch the partnership, which will span Museum Victoria’s venues and run until 2028.  

Dr Handley is a volcanologist who studies the chemistry of volcanic rocks to understand and reduce volcanic risk. She is internationally recognised for her outstanding leadership in geoscience communication and for her strong advocacy of equity, diversity and inclusion in STEM.  

Renowned radio astronomer with a highly successful career, Professor Kilborn is the first Chief Scientist at an Australian university and provides leadership in science within and outside the University, driving scientific policy and relationships with government, industry and schools.  

Throughout the partnership, Swinburne will collaborate with Museums Victoria to bring to life programs that engage students in STEM principles and design thinking, including through major exhibitions and events including Top Designs at Melbourne Museum and the Science is a Superpower Festival at Scienceworks.   

Swinburne is a university inspired and defined by technology and innovation. It aims to build the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of technology, innovation and entrepreneurship – bringing people and technology together to build a better world.    

Swinburne is ranked in the top 300 universities worldwide, with a global reputation for world-leading research in astronomy, physics, engineering, materials science, computer science and information technology, design and innovation, health sciences, neurosciences and mental health. 

With more than 3 million admissions across its sites every year, Museums Victoria is the most visited museum organisation in Australia and New Zealand. Since founding the Museums Victoria Research Institute in 2022, the organisation has maximised its unique strengths to create a world-leading multidisciplinary and collaborative research program promoting knowledge that changes the way the world is seen and shapes future action.   

At a time when Victoria faces growing demand for science and technology skills, the collaboration will create richer, more inclusive STEM experiences that encourage play, exploration and discovery, while helping young people see themselves as future innovators, engineers and problem-solvers.  

Quote from Lynley Crosswell, CEO and Director, Museums Victoria:   

"This partnership with Swinburne University of Technology weaves Swinburne’s leadership in education and research with Museums Victoria’s ability to engage learners of all ages.

"Together we are strengthening pathways into STEM, supporting curiosity-led learning, building confidence and capability, and helping learners develop the skills they will need to navigate and shape the future."

Quote from Swinburne University of Technology Vice-Chancellor, Professor Pascale Quester AO:   

"Education is about opening doors and embracing possibilities, something Museums Victoria has in common with Swinburne. Together, we want to inspire a lifelong love of learning and use this spark to help solve the wicked problems we face as a society.  

"This partnership will give learners of all ages an opportunity to see how they can make a difference by bringing people and technology together to build a better world."

Quote from Swinburne University of Technology Chief Scientist, Professor Virginia Kilborn:  

"Curiosity and a love of learning from a young age really paved the way for my career in STEM. It’s so important for young people, especially young women and girls, to be able to engage with science and technology and see how they can forge their own path in these exciting and important fields."

Quote from Museums Victoria Research Institute Senior Curator of Geosciences, Dr Heather Handley:  

"STEM is for everyone. By continuing to make it accessible and inclusive, we spark curiosity, nurture problem-solving skills, and demonstrate how exploration and discovery prepares us to address the challenges facing our communities."