The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) has today announced the first 50 scholarship recipients for the $41.2 million Elevate: Boosting women in STEM program.
Funded by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR), Elevate will award 500 undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships to women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) over the next six years. The program also supports women to thrive and progress in STEM careers through opportunities to extend qualifications, networks and professional skills.
The inaugural scholarship recipients were celebrated at a launch at Parliament House this morning hosted by Industry and Science Minister the Hon. Ed Husic MP, and Minister for Women, Senator the Hon. Katy Gallagher.
The scholars will commence study in early 2023. They include: 30 women pursuing postgraduate studies in applied STEM research, from aerospace engineering to cybersecurity; five mid-career women in STEM who will undertake career-boosting leadership qualifications, and; 15 women who will commence STEM undergraduate degrees, setting them on paths to rewarding careers.
ATSE CEO Kylie Walker said she was pleased to see the huge demand for the program, with more than 1,000 applications from diverse women across the nation received in this first round.
“The demand demonstrates that a huge range of Australian women are keen to study STEM and embark on, or grow, rewarding careers, tackling modern challenges and solving problems through a STEM lens.
“We are proud to be able to support the Elevate scholars – not just to study but also by immersing them in an inclusive network, connecting them with leaders in a range of sectors, and offering professional development in enabling and business skills.
“Elevate is built in collaboration across the STEM sectors, and supports the scholars themselves to build relationships across the breadth and depth of Australian STEM. We are excited to enable every scholar to shape their future in STEM.
“It was terrific to receive applications from a genuinely diverse range of women – our inaugural scholars represent the breadth of Australian society. We are particularly delighted to be able to award a number of Elevate scholarships to First Nations women: recognising the value of Traditional Knowledge and encouraging increased representation in STEM are key values for the Elevate program and for ATSE,” said Kylie Walker.
Scholars will study at 19 Australian universities, with courses commencing in campuses from Murdoch University in Western Australia to James Cook University in North Queensland, and from Monash University in Victoria to Charles Darwin University in the Northern Territory. All scholars will have opportunities to create additional connections as part of national STEM networks. More than 40% of scholars come from regional and rural areas.
Elevate Advisory Group Co-Chair, Dr Marlene Kanga AO FTSE, is looking forward to the impact of the Leadership scholars as they build boardroom skills and cultivate influential connections.
“Elevate will support tomorrow’s STEM leaders today. This program ensures that the future STEM sector is shaped collectively with diverse perspectives at the table and brings a breadth of experience and understanding to the next generation of leaders, technologists, applied scientists, and engineers,” Dr Kanga said.
Elevate Advisory Group Co-Chair, Dr Adi Paterson FTSE is committed to ensuring Elevate enables increased Australian capability, resilience, and breadth of research and innovation.
“Elevate in action is a springboard to launch women into the next stage of their careers across STEM. Diversity underpins and enables the best possible future for people involved in STEM. As a nation, and across the globe, we need Elevate and similar programs to empower and enable a new generation to take on the task of leadership and transformation. Elevate scholarships will provide the leap forward we need for access and excellence in Australian STEM,” Dr Paterson said.
Media contacts
Edwyn Shiell – Director, Communications and Outreach
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More information
Elevate will award up to 500 undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships to women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) over the next six years. The program encourages women to pursue education and careers in STEM and offers opportunities to extend qualifications, networks and professional skills in STEM and business.
Applications for Elevate scholarships will be open all year round, with an assessment period each year. For study starting in 2024, applications are now open.
ATSE is excited to continue to work with our collaborative partners from industry and academia, including ATSE’s Industry Mentoring Network in STEM (IMNIS), Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN), Cooperative Research Australia, Cicada Innovations, FB Rice, DMTC Limited, gemaker, Indigitek, Women in Leadership Development Program (WILD), Women in STEMM Australia (WiSA) and Science & Technology Australia.
Visit atse.org.au/elevate to find out more and apply now: https://atse.grantplatform.com/
Read Minister Ed Husic’s interview on Elevate on ABC News Breakfast.