The federal government is funding a 7-year, $41.2 million project to elevate women’s leadership in STEM. 

The Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) will implement the new “Boosting the Next Generation of Women in STEM” fund.

The program will award up to 500 undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships to women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The aim is to address gender inequities in STEM through fostering more women-led industry-academia collaborations in applied research and business, growing skills of women in STEM and by propelling women into senior leadership.

ATSE and its partners will co-design a program spanning industry, academia and government to upskill women with STEM qualifications, research, and business expertise, so they can lead and shape a dynamic and impactful Australian STEM sector.

“The Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering is delighted to partner with the Australian Government in implementing this game-changing and STEM workforce culture-shaping program,” ATSE CEO Kylie Walker said.

“Elevate is designed around three pillars – education and impact designed and led by women; skills building, supported by mentoring and networking; and leadership to increase the influence and profile of women in STEM.

“As well as supporting a strong, thriving cohort of future women leaders and role models to enter and excel in Australian STEM jobs, Elevate will nurture a collaborative and innovative economy-building culture between Australian universities and Australian industry.

“Our goal is to immerse these trailblazing scholars in an expansive network of influential and inclusive research and industry leaders who will inspire and cultivate their future careers. We are thrilled to support their journey,” she said.