Diversity in Science Leonie Walsh, Lead Scientist Victorian Government 27th June 2016

Topics Insights from my own experience Gender Diversity overall Women in Leadership Early to mid career researchers Girls in STEM Summary Provide high level strategic advice to assist in science and innovation policy development Foster links across the innovation value chain Identify opportunities to streamline support for the commercialisation of Victorian research Advocate the importance of science, technology and innovation to building the skills for Victoria's future industries. Future Industries Ministerial Advisory council Forum of Australian Chief Scientists Health, Science, Knowledge, IT advisory committee EPA Science and Engineering Advisory Council Australian Science Media Board Plastics and Chemicals Manufacturing innovation network advisory board Industry ICT strategy panel

The need to develop our talent pool "For reasons beyond education and professional qualifications or willingness to contribute or a desire to be a part of our society ... too many of our fellow Australians are denied the opportunity to reach their potential.” - David Morrison, Chair of Diversity Council Australia, Australian of the Year 2016

Employment by Industry 2009-10

Women in Leadership http://www.sal.workplaceleadership.com.au/sites/default/files/inline-files/SAL-Report.pdf

Women in Leadership http://www.sal.workplaceleadership.com.au/sites/default/files/inline-files/SAL-Report.pdf

Women on Boards

Women in science

Women in Science/STEM Why we need more women in science? diversity, resulting in greater creativity and reducing potential bias leading to improved research quality; representation of the population in research delivery, as public research is often directed at societal challenges impacting all population sub-groups; a larger talent pool to source professionals from; and human capital and innovation, thereby lifting national economic growth and international competitiveness

Gender gaps that need improvement Women made up 55% of university students in Australia (9th of 27 countries measured) Trades still dominated by males Big increase is in teaching and nursing 29,419 women beginning a teaching degree c.f. 7872 men 15,150 women beginning nursing degree c.f. 2316 men Only 28 per cent of ICT workers are women (ACS and Deloitte's digital pulse). This number compares to 43 per cent of people in other professional industries. Women in engineering numbers stagnant at 14% acceptance and high drop- out Men are still earning more than women in majority of industries Information technology lower

Barriers in advancement in STEM

Significant initiatives SAGE pilot and significant media and activity Fellowships, scholarships and grants tailored to women Women in Science support organisations Veski, Women in Science Australia, WISP, WISE State and Federal Government initiatives Mentoring programs Outreach

Ethnic Diversity

Ethnic Diversity “As a global company operating across nine time zones in 170 countries, where more than 70 languages are spoken, cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Now more than ever it is important to capitalise on the full breadth of talent in the marketplace. A culturally diverse workforce, at all levels from graduate hires through to executives, fosters creativity and innovation which is essential to any company’s ongoing success,” Andrew Stevens, Managing Director of IBM Australia and New Zealand

New study by DCA and PWC

Summary There are things you can do to help control your diversity experience Progress is being made at a board level for gender equity but still a long way to go and an even longer way for ethnic diversity. Increased momentum for gender issues for early to mid career researchers but management level still an issue Significant problems for girls in STEM You can help as role models and “career advisers” and champions of change.

Male Champions of Change Dr James Vince from WEHI and member of the WEHI gender equity committee as well as coming highly recommended as a great advocate for the cause. Dr. Alan Duffy – Professional astrophysicist and passionate science communicator and male champion of change from Swinburne University

Champions of Change questions Do you have any suggestions on how gender diversity can be improved? Do you think it is important that men play a role in highlighting the diversity and gender equity issues facing women in science? What is the role that they could/should play? How do we get more men involved in supporting gender diversity?