Read the full article here: Empowering 120,000+ Learners Through Plants4Space, Research, Our research and its impact, Zero Hunger, La Trobe University
P4S supports human survival in space through four key missions: developing nutritionally complete plant‑based foods; creating zero‑waste plants for controlled environments; innovating plant‑based construction materials and pharmaceuticals; and building a future‑ready workforce while leading a global space‑plant research community. La Trobe is one of five Australian universities in the consortium, leading education and engagement through the Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food (LISAF).
Plants for Space Education and Engagement Manager Dr Frazer Thorpe says the aim is to develop a future‑ready workforce and society by engaging preschool, school, and university students, teachers, and the wider public.
“There is growing demand for agriculture, food, and space careers, as well as STEM‑powered thinking. We’re nurturing a STEM‑positive society with the knowledge, skills, and attitude to think critically and solve problems so humans can survive and thrive,” he says.
In the two years since launching in 2024, the team has visited schools, hosted museum events, and delivered a wide range of online and in‑person activities, engaging more than 200,000 people.
“Our impact is measured by what participants gain from these engagements. We introduce ways of thinking that go beyond the classroom, while providing role models, knowledge, and opportunities to explore and discover - delivered in joyful and optimistic ways that build confidence,” Dr Thorpe says.
To raise awareness of P4S research and support the development of current and future workforces, the La Trobe team has worked with more than 1,000 teachers across Australia. They have delivered hands‑on workshops and professional development programs including robot building, clinostat design, 3D printing, DNA technologies, and nutritional analysis, alongside STEM research kits and curriculum‑aligned resources.
