The Australian Government's statement on the Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review demonstrates its commitment to building a more equitable STEM workforce.
This review, published in February 2024, charted a path to boosting diversity, including by learning from best practice, such as Science & Technology Australia's (STA) own Superstars of STEM program.
"This statement outlines commitments the Government has already taken to building a STEM workforce that reflects Australia's diversity," said STA CEO, Ryan Winn.
STA welcomes the Government's investment in proven initiatives that make a real difference, including:
- STA's Superstars of STEM program, creating role models to change stereotypes.
- The STEM Equity Monitor, providing critical data to track progress.
- The National Youth Science Forum, to encourage more young people from diverse backgrounds to pursue STEM education and careers.
- Elevate: Boosting Diversity in STEM, providing university scholarships and wrap around supports for women and non-binary students studying STEM.
"These programs are game-changers," said Mr Winn.
"Superstars of STEM has inspired 94,000 students nationwide. The superstars have used their profile to make a real difference – like Dr Kate Cole, an engineer and occupational hygienist, who leveraged her media training to expose unsafe face masks during COVID-19, protecting frontline health workers and influencing national policy."
Since 2017, Superstars of STEM has trained 270 diverse experts, helping to shift perceptions of who can be a scientist or technologist and challenging stereotypes, reaching around 60 million people annually through the media.
STA also welcomes broader initiatives that create a stronger foundation for change across the entire STEM pathway, such as strengthened Commonwealth procurement requirements to encourage diversity and set expectations that suppliers prevent discrimination and harassment; investment in education pathways and recognition of Indigenous knowledges.
"Equity and inclusion strengthen Australia's ability to innovate and solve complex challenges. These actions are the start, but cannot be the end, and STA looks forward to ongoing work with the Government and partners across the sector to turn these commitments into meaningful, lasting change."
Notwithstanding the breadth of work that is advancing diversity and inclusion in STEM, significant work remains, and recent research continues to underscore the urgency of continued action.
"Superstar of STEM Natalie Chapman's analysis of STEM-qualified women on Australian boards paints a sobering picture," said Mr Winn. "Despite progress in some areas, women with STEM qualifications remain severely underrepresented in leadership positions. This demonstrates that while we're making strides, systemic barriers persist, and STA will continue advocate for and lead the changes we need."
About Science & Technology Australia
Science & Technology Australia is the nation's peak body representing more than 235,000 scientists and technologists. We're the leading policy voice on science and technology. Our flagship programs include Science Meets Parliament, Superstars of STEM, and STA STEM Ambassadors.
