Ambitious and strategic action needed to improve diversity in STEM

Australia’s leading tech academy notes the Australian Government’s response to the Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review, which has been released today.  

The review, which was published in February 2024 and chaired by ATSE Fellow Sally-Ann Williams FTSE, made 11 recommendations to enhance diversity and inclusion within STEM fields. 

Today’s statement outlines what actions the Government has already been taking to promote diversity in STEM – important initiatives such as supporting ATSE’s Elevate: Boosting Diversity in STEM program. 

The statement spotlights Elevate as transforming Australia’s STEM landscape with more than 400 scholars, and notes that the government recently extended administrative support for the program to enable current part-time Elevate scholars to finish their degrees. 

“We welcome the Australian Government’s statement today and its ongoing commitment to diversity in STEM,” said ATSE CEO Kylie Walker. 

“ATSE, along with our colleagues in the STEM sector, will continue to work with government to ensure that the detailed recommendations in the 2024 report – recommendations that are vital to help build a fairer and more resilient STEM future for Australia – are implemented in full. 

“The report called for ambitious and strategic action – such as expanding ATSE’s Elevate program to a more diverse cohort of STEM scholars. 

“ATSE reiterates that call today, noting that while Elevate will allow for current scholars to graduate future opportunities will be limited without re-investment in scholarships for students commencing in 2027 and beyond. 

“The Government’s response – starting with the statement today but continuing beyond it – should address structural barriers to a diverse STEM sector and lay out a long-term pathway for success. 

“Diversity in STEM is not optional, if we are to achieve our full potential.  

“It’s necessary for a thriving STEM sector and a critical enabler to improve workforce shortages and productivity. 

“We still have such a long way to go to see better representation of underrepresented groups, make Australian STEM workforces safer and more inclusive, and weave First Nations Traditional Knowledges into science and research systems. 

“ATSE will continue to be part of the solution and help government to achieve this, such as seeking to extend our nation-leading Elevate scholarship program to even more diverse aspiring scientists, technologists and engineers.”