Curtin University has received its first SAGE Cygnet Award for its commitment to advancing women in science and engineering.
Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) presented the award in recognition of Curtin's targeted action to grow and strengthen opportunities for women in its Faculty of Science and Engineering through recruitment, talent retention, career development and leadership initiatives.
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne said the award recognised Curtin's sustained efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women pursuing careers in science and engineering.
"This award recognises Curtin's ongoing commitment to advancing women's representation in science and engineering, helping to build a stronger, more diverse pipeline of future researchers, innovators and industry leaders," Professor Hayne said.
"Through a range of initiatives, the University works to embed gender and inclusion principles to support our diverse workforce and our student cohort to reach their full potential.
"We are proud of the progress we have made, but we know there is still more work to do to drive systemic change and improve gender equity across science, engineering and more broadly."
The recognition follows measurable improvements across the Faculty of Science and Engineering:
- Women's representation in leadership roles increased to 34 per cent in 2024, exceeding the 30 per cent target.
- The proportion of women at Professor level doubled to 16 per cent during the same period.
- Women accounted for 41 per cent of applicants for academic roles in 2023, up from 29 per cent in 2021.
- Academic promotion success rates for women improved from 76 per cent to 92 per cent (2023).
SAGE Chief Executive Officer Dr Janin Bredehoeft said Curtin had received its first SAGE Cygnet Award, recognising institutional action to address barriers to attracting, retaining and progressing women in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.
"This award recognises the conscientious work of looking honestly at the barriers women face, listening to their experiences, and changing systems so that more people can belong, contribute and thrive," Dr Bredehoeft said.
The award builds on Curtin's Athena Swan Bronze Award and is the first of five Cygnet Awards required on its pathway towards Silver accreditation.
For more information about Curtin's commitment to gender equity, visit here.
For more information about the SAGE Cygnet Awards, visit here.
