The Australian Government has announced $15.9 million in new grants for projects that are supporting more women to study and build careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The latest round of Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship (WiSE) grants will provide between $500,000 and $1 million to expand successful projects that have increased awareness of STEM education and improved opportunities for girls or women.
Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic said the Albanese Government was committed to supporting more women into STEM careers, and to encouraging girls to study STEM subjects.
“We want to make sure that more women find lasting, rewarding and successful careers in STEM fields, regardless of their background, and our focus is on supporting opportunities for Australians from all corners of the community into rewarding STEM careers.
“The WiSE grants focus on projects that remove systemic and cultural barriers for women in STEM education, careers, innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Husic.
In the Government’s 2022 budget, $5.8 million was awarded for WiSE grants, and the decision was made to create 20,000 new university places in critical shortage areas including engineering.
Last year, Husic announced an independent expert panel to review the Pathway to Diversity in STEM program was formed to provide advice on ways to boost diversity and female participation STEM sectors.
Husic also announced the reappointment of Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith as the government’s Women in STEM Ambassador for a further 12 months to November 2023.
The WiSE grants program supports projects that increase the number of women in senior leadership and decision-making positions in government, research organisations, industry and business.
Successful projects involved in the food, beverage and manufacturing sectors are:
- GMIC Geelong Manufacturing Council ($954,000) to support the Women in Manufacturing Network to partner with VET institutions and industry;
- University of Melbourne ($998,000) to place 113 women STEM postgraduate students into industry internships;
- Food Futures Company ($975,000) to scale up projects aimed at increasing participation of Indigenous women in the agrifood sector;
- RBG Enterprises ($999,000) for the WILD On Board program to provide opportunities for women leaders to gain board positions;
- and Indigenous Entrepreneur Network ($951,000) for culturally-appropriate coaching and training, and to build businesses networks to help Indigenous women and girls to thrive.
The first three rounds of the WiSE program have provided $10 million for 54 projects, which have made a significant impact on the participation of women and girls in STEM across Australia.
