The newly formed independent expert panel to review the Pathway to Diversity in STEM program will provide advice on ways to boost diversity and female participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sectors.
Federal industry and science minister Ed Husic announced the review earlier this year to see how government programs can better support diversity in STEM sectors.
“It’s vital that Australians from all parts of the community have a chance to contribute to our ambitious scientific and technological agenda.
“The Pathway to Diversity in STEM review is about helping to create equal opportunities for women and historically under-represented groups to pursue education and careers in STEM, supporting them to unlock their full potential, and bolstering Australia’s STEM skills pipeline,” Husic said.
The panel members are:
Sally-Ann Williams (panel chair): Williams is a leader in the technology and entrepreneurial space. She is well aware of the environment that women entrepreneurs face and the importance of diversity to the design of technology to ensure it is fit for purpose;
Dr Parwinder Kaur: Kaur is an experienced biotechnologist, a passionate science communicator and an advocate for gender equity, working to close the gender gap in technology;
Mikaela Jade: Jade is a proud Cabrogal woman of the Dharug-speaking nations, passionate about storytelling, technology and knowledge-sharing including the importance of diversity in STEM, particularly by including First Nations voices; and
Acting Deputy Secretary Narelle Luchetti: Luchetti will be the ex-officio member, who will bring experience in the public service and public policy development, as well as implementation and process expertise to the review.
Husic said the expert panel brought a wide range of experience to the task and would contribute recommendations and guidance on improving diversity in STEM.
“STEM communities that are diverse, inclusive, and collaborative are crucial to meeting the challenges of the future and maximising the nation’s potential.
“It also makes good business sense: studies have found firms with diverse workforces perform better,” Husic said.
The terms of reference for the Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review were also released.
Women in STEM Ambassador reappointed
12 months to November 2023.
Husic also announced the government’s Women in STEM Ambassador, Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith, has been reappointed for a further 12 months to November 2023.
“Professor Harvey-Smith will provide an important contribution to our next steps to improve diversity in STEM, which I know she is very passionate about,” Husic said.
“She has been an excellent leader within the STEM sector and will continue to provide expert advice and advocate the case for change.
“In doing so, she will continue to be a visible role model to encourage girls and women to enter STEM education and careers,” he added.
(Listen to the Food & Drink Business podcast episode with Lisa Harvey-Smith)
Elevate scholars announced
Husic made the announcements at the Elevate: Boosting women in STEM event, at which 50 undergraduate and postgraduate STEM scholarships were awarded to women in STEM fields.
The scholarships are government funded and run by the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering. Its goal is to foster more women-led collaborations in applied research and business, growing professional skills in STEM, and propelling more women into leadership.
ATSE CEO Kylie Walker said she was pleased to see the huge demand for the program, with more than 1000 applications from diverse women across the nation received in this first round.
“It was terrific to receive applications from a genuinely diverse range of women – our inaugural scholars represent the breadth of Australian society.
“We are particularly delighted to be able to award a number of Elevate scholarships to First Nations women: recognising the value of Traditional Knowledge and encouraging increased representation in STEM are key values for the Elevate program and for ATSE,” Walker said.
More than 40 per cent of recipients come from regional and rural areas.
