More and more young people are choosing to study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects at University but there still exists a gender imbalance when looking at the number of girls choosing to study Physics post-16.

In this episode of Exploring Global Problems, Dr Sarah Roberts and our host, Dr Sam Blaxland discuss the importance of role models and Physics teachers in making the subject more exciting for their pupils, and how astronomy can be used as a hook to inspire and enthuse all school children to study Physics and STEM subjects.

They also discuss Dr Robert's own work with the Faulkes Telescope Project, an educational outreach project aimed at engaging young people in science. They talk about the ability of school pupils to carry out real research with real scientists, and what discoveries schools have made using the Faulkes Telescopes. If you would like to learn more about this project, please visit the Faulkes Telescope Project website.

More recently, Dr Roberts has had funding from STFC (Science Technology Facilities Council) to run an astronomy outreach project in Wales called 'Stardust Hunters' where primary school children are encouraged to plan scientific investigations, hunting for dust from space in their gardens and school yards. For more information on this project, please visit the Stardust Hunters website.