Chats for the Goals: Democratising STEM Education

This talk, led by UTS student Nahyan Farooq through his work at the Pi Space Science Education Centre (PSSEC), demonstrates how UN SDG 4: Quality Education moved from policy to practice across underserved communities.

Using space science to spark curiosity, PSSEC creates hands-on STEM activities from low-cost recyclable materials, tailored to local culture and scaled through teacher training. Inspired by Melbourne’s Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC) and re-engineered for low-resource schools, the model lifts learning outcomes, problem solving, and equity for girls. With partners including NASA, UNESCO, UN Women, and the U.S. Consulate, it has reached 50,000 students and 8,000 teachers.

About the presenter

Nahyan Farooq is Co-Founder of the Pi Space Science Education Centre and an Epic MegaGrant recipient for educational innovation. He has served as a consultant to the World Robot Olympiad and the World’s Largest Lesson | Project Everyone. His contributions have been recognised with the Rotary Award for Excellence in Service to Humanity, selection for MIT’s Innovative Leadership, and an invitation from the Director of UNESCO Pakistan to present his work to key stakeholders.

This event is part of UTS Global Goals Month 2025, and is presented by UTS Sustainability and UTS BUILD. Explore more of the Global Goals Month program here.