Bronze award for Curtin’s work to encourage more women in STEMM

Curtin University’s commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) has been recognised with bronze accreditation at the SAGE Athena SWAN Awards.

Curtin was among the recipients of the Athena SWAN Bronze Award at tonight’s ceremony, hosted by SAGE (Science in Australia Gender Equity) at Parliament House in Canberra to highlight gender equity and diversity through STEMM in higher education across Australia and globally.

Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said she was delighted Curtin’s commitment to improve gender equity and diversity and address barriers to the progression of females had been acknowledged by SAGE.

“As important drivers of thought leadership and innovative research, universities require a diverse range of views to ensure every issue is considered from multiple perspectives,” Professor Terry said.

“The University recognises that more must be done to improve outcomes for women as they are often disproportionately under-represented, particularly in STEMM and in leadership.”

Curtin joined the inaugural SAGE pilot of the Athena SWAN accreditation program, built on the very successful UK Athena SWAN program.

Professor Terry said the program required institutions to take an evidenced-based approach to developing an action plan that addressed their challenges and delivered measurable outcomes and genuine cultural change.

“Curtin has introduced and expanded a range of initiatives to increase the participation, retention, and advancement of women, and to provide them with a supportive, flexible working environment,” Professor Terry said.

“A second cohort of outstanding female academics is now participating in the University’s innovative Trajectory Career and Leadership Development program, which is designed to support an increase in the number of female academics in leadership positions and the development and profiling of outstanding role models who will inspire the next generation of female scientists in STEMM.

“The integrated approach to career and leadership development being undertaken by the University has already resulted in more female academics applying successfully for promotion, especially at professorial levels.”

For more information about Curtin’s commitment to gender equity, visit here.

For more information about the SAGE Athena SWAN Awards, visit here.