The University of the Sunshine Coast has achieved a major milestone, after receiving five internationally recognised awards for its work breaking down barriers that impact gender equity, diversity and inclusion.
The Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) organisation has granted UniSC its fifth SAGE Cygnet Award, with data showing more women are studying, working and leading in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields at the university.
It means UniSC will now seek SAGE Athena Swan Silver accreditation status in recognition of its ongoing commitment to meeting global benchmarks in diversity and inclusivity.
UniSC Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett, said receiving five Cygnet Awards reflected the strength of UniSC's bold equity and inclusion agenda.
"This achievement underscores our strong commitment to gender equity, diversity and inclusion," Professor Bartlett said.
"The areas assessed in the Cygnet submissions illustrate UniSC's substantial progress in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for staff and students.
"While there is still more to be done, this recognition shows we are well on the path toward silver accreditation."
UniSC's fifth Cygnet Award recognised the significant progress made to improve gender equity across STEM pathways for students and academics in the School of Science, Technology and Engineering (SSTE).
The proportion of women in continuing and fixed-term academic positions within SSTE has increased from 21 percent in 2017 to 32 percent in 2025. Mentoring, inclusive recruitment practices and women-only hiring in Engineering helped to drive the shift.
Outreach programs have also had a big impact, with more than 8,000 girls in primary and secondary school participating in STEM activities delivered by UniSC and its partners since 2020.
These include MindSET-do, Girls in ICT Day, Women in Engineering initiatives and STEM courses in the Headstart program.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Ross Young said UniSC's actions had delivered positive outcomes.
"The marked rise in women's representation in academic roles is the direct result of the great feedback that we have had, which has led to the implementation of successful initiatives," Professor Young said.
"Things like gender-balanced recruitment panels, women-only hiring in Engineering, and strong mentoring programs are making a measurable difference.
"And outreach programs, like MindSET-do, are inspiring the next generation of women in STEM long before they arrive at university."
UniSC was awarded SAGE Athena Swan Bronze accreditation status in 2020 and earned the first of five Cygnet Award last year. It now has awards for:
- Academic promotion
- Parents and carers
- Career support and development
- Recruitment
UniSC will now begin preparing a submission to apply for SAGE Athena Swan Silver accreditation.
