Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) has been granted $7.1 million over 5 years by the Commonwealth Government to deliver an expanded accreditation framework to improve diversity in the Australian science workforce.
The funding comes from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR), and will ensure that STEMM disciplines can access and retain the best talent, and meet the workforce needs of the future.
This announcement is part of DISR’s response to the independent Pathway to Diversity in STEMM Review, which recommended increasing support for SAGE due to the organisation’s whole-of-system approach to change, and track record in improving STEMM workplace diversity.
SAGE Chair Libby Lyons celebrated the news as an important step forward for the sector.
“This funding demonstrates the depth of the Australian Government’s commitment to ensuring diverse and inclusive science workplaces,” she said.
“By enabling SAGE to implement our rigorous, proven framework, the Department of Industry Science and Resources will be setting the standard for inclusion in Australian STEMM, maximising the potential of our diverse population and future-proofing our scientific workforce.”
The expanded accreditation framework will scale up SAGE’s approach, which has been making a successful impact in the higher education and research sector for nine years.
The funding will enable SAGE to increase resources, tools and support for diversity initiatives in independent Medical Research Institutes and develop new supports for the Vocational Education and Training sector.
The George Institute for Global Health has been participating in the SAGE framework since 2019, and has recently earned their first SAGE Cygnet Award for supporting parents and carers in the workplace.
Professor Anushka Patel, Chief Executive Officer reflected on the impact SAGE has made in their institution.
“At The George Institute, the tailored tools and supports provided by the SAGE Framework have been invaluable in improving our support for parents and carers.
“This new funding will mean that SAGE can expand its reach to ensure that the medical research sector can attract and retain the best researchers, and support them throughout their careers to tackle important medical and public health challenges.”
This expansion into medical research and the vocational education sector represents an important milestone for diversity in Australian science.
Mathematician and Payne-Scott Professor Nalini Joshi AO, at the University of Sydney, co-founded and personally sponsored the establishment of SAGE in 2015.
“SAGE was established with widespread agreement in the Australian Scientific Community that cultural change was needed to enable all scientists to thrive in Australia,” she said.
“It has been wonderful to witness SAGE’s consistent impact over a decade with dynamic, reflective processes based on rigorous tools to enable systemic change towards true equity, diversity and inclusion in higher education and research.
“It’s very encouraging to see SAGE’s impact recognised with this funding, which will allow it to expand and scale up their transformative work to the whole STEMM workforce.”
About SAGE
SAGE is Australasia’s leading advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the education and research sector. We’re the guide our region’s brightest minds turn to when they want a vibrant workplace where everyone can thrive.
SAGE’s world-respected Athena Swan accreditation program drives participants’ EDI evolution. Through an evidence-based and impact-focussed framework, each institution develops a uniquely customised approach to achieve systemic, structural and cultural change, measured against international benchmarks. Throughout that journey, they’re supported by advice, tools and dynamic communities of practice that provide assistance when they need it.
As a valued adviser to government and other key decision-makers, SAGE also gives its participants a seat at the table to influence external policies that impact their EDI goals.
Available for interview
SAGE CEO Dr Janin Bredehoeft
Contact
Heather Champion, SAGE
media@sciencegenderequity.org.au
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