Women in STEMM Australia

Last year Women in STEMM Australia celebrated National Science Week in Queensland with an exciting collaborative event - Connecting Women in STEMM in the Sunshine State.

On Monday, August 14, 2017, the Keynote Speaker, Queensland Science Minister, the Honorable Leeanne Enoch, and the Queensland Acting Chief Scientist, Christine Williams, welcomed delegates to the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre in Brisbane.

Renowned ABC journalist Bernie Hobbs led a fascinating discussion with our outstanding panellists: Jenny Martin (Director of the Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Professor of Structural Biology, and Wunderly Oration Medallist), Anisha Dhugana (Graduate Geotechnical Engineer at ARUP and Mentor, Young Achievers’ Program), Li-Ann Leow (Postdoctoral Fellow in Neuroscience, University of Queensland and Women’s Academic Fund Awardee) and Sarah Chapman (Science Teacher and Head of Department at Townsville State High, PM Prize Winner, Women in STEMM Australia Board member and Chief Executive Women Australia Barbara Cail STEM Fellow). Gavin Fox-Smith (Managing Director of Johnson and Johnson Medical Devices, Chairman of the Medical Technology Association of Australia, and Male Champion of Change) kindly sent all his apologies for unexpectedly being unable to join.

The panel discussion focussed on the key decision-making times in the lives of girls and women interested in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM), what influences their choices, and how to foster a much-needed culture shift to ensure more girls pursue STEMM education and careers, and that more women in STEMM reach senior-level roles.

Attendees gained valuable insight into how girls and women in STEMM can be better supported to accelerate their education and their careers, and how we can all foster an environment where more women in STEMM can lead and excel.

Maia Sauren, Business Analyst and Software Consultant, Thoughtworks, HealthHack Founder and Champion, and Board member represented Women in STEMM Australia and was thrilled to see so many people interested in STEMM and keen to collaborate and connect.

Dr Sauren said, “All I received was positive feedback, everyone was happy. Bernie Hobbs led a dynamic panel and the discussion was of intense interest and relevance. The Minister’s words resonated with everyone, and the Museum and Chief Scientist’s teams were fantastic“.

About Women in STEMM Australia:

Women in STEMM Australia aims to connect women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) regardless of their discipline or profession. There will be more opportunities to connect with women and men across different professional sectors in the STEMM sector at future events, including our upcoming National Symposium (more soon!), so be sure to have some business cards! You can make some for free at a number of online outlets.

View the full Event Gallery HERE (by Foster Photography)

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