Biography
Dr. Stuart Kohlhagen is a globally recognized STEM education leader and innovator with over four decades of experience advancing science learning through creative engagement, experiential teaching, and professional development. He is the founder and Director of The Science Nomad, an initiative that champions hands-on science and critical thinking in both formal and informal education contexts.
Formerly the Director of Science and Learning at Questacon – Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre – Dr. Kohlhagen helped shape national education programs and led the development of thousands of interactive exhibits. His work has influenced science centre strategies, curriculum integration, and education outreach on a global scale.
Dr. Kohlhagen has worked in over 25 countries across Asia, Africa, the Pacific, and Europe, training teachers, mentoring science centre staff, and building capacity for STEM education through inquiry, computational thinking, and low-resource innovation. His projects include long-term collaborations with the Singapore Science Centre, Petrosains in Malaysia, and SEAMEO STEM Education Centre in Thailand, and advisory roles with UNICEF, Goethe-Institut, and national education ministries.
He has played a pivotal role in initiatives such as Early Learning STEM Australia (ELSA), Make_HER Spaces for girls in underserved schools, and digital-skills development for educators. He is widely respected for bridging formal and informal education sectors and empowering teachers through experiential learning and design-based pedagogies.
Dr. Kohlhagen was awarded the Australian Public Service Medal for his contributions to science outreach and education. He continues to serve as a visiting fellow and advisor to institutions globally, inspiring learners and educators alike to embrace curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.