To coincide with the United Nation's World Science Day for Peace and Development on 10 November, Regional Universities Network (RUN) has released a new booklet that showcases the significant scientific contributions to society by female researchers at the network's seven universities.
RUN Women in Science, Technology and Engineering in Regional Australia includes the research stories of 14 women from Charles Sturt University, CQUniversity, Federation University Australia, Southern Cross University, University of New England, University of Southern Queensland and University of the Sunshine Coast.
Some of the stories describe the use of micro-technology devices in rugby league, combating disease in plants and animals, helping people with disability stay mobile, and developing stronger and lighter steel. Importantly, all stories reveal that the women chose careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to help their communities and to teach others.
RUN Chair, Professor Helen Bartlett, said that female researchers at regional universities are making a real difference to the big issues facing Australia.
"RUN Women in Science, Technology and Engineering in Regional Australia is a prime example of the tremendous impact that research by women at RUN universities has on regional development and beyond.
"Women are contributing enormously to advances in STEM. But we know that they still face barriers to reaching their full potential," Professor Bartlett said.
"We must make sure that women have equal research and career opportunities in STEM. This is not only the right thing to do – it produces good outcomes for communities, business and for Australia."
The booklet supports the Australian Government's Women in STEM Decadal Plan, and is available to read at www.run.edu.au/RUN-Women-in-STEM-2019.
To learn more about World Science Day, visit www.un.org/en/events/scienceday.
