SAGE is announcing the formation of a Medical Research Institute (MRI) National Advisory Committee as it launches the co-design phase of a new gender equity, diversity and inclusion (GEDI) accreditation program for the MRI sector.
Funded by the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science and Resources, SAGE is building an evidence-based accreditation program tailored to the distinct workforce realities of the MRI sector.
SAGE delivers the internationally accredited Athena Swan program, which is successfully supporting higher education and research institutions to drive systemic and sustainable change to remove barriers to gender equality, diversity and inclusion.
SAGE CEO, Dr Janin Bredehoeft said the new program was in response to feedback and identifying a need for a bespoke program for the medical research institute sector.
“This program reflects SAGE’s commitment to ensuring that gender equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives are not one-size-fits-all, but are designed from the ground up with and for the sectors they serve,” she said.
“The MRI Advisory Committee draws on the expertise of leaders from across the medical research ecosystem to shape a program that will support genuine and lasting change.”
The announcement comes as the program begins the consultation phase, with the program being actively shaped in collaboration with sector practitioners and leaders across the country.
How this committee will support SAGE’s work
The Committee will provide high-level strategic advice throughout the development of the MRI accreditation program over the next four years. Its primary role is to offer sector-specific insights that inform program development, and to support alignment across their sectors.
Composed of senior leaders, government representatives, and peak body representatives, the committee will contribute at key decision points across the consultation, co-design, pilot, and national rollout phases.
MRI Advisory Committee Members
- Dr. Saraid Billiards, CEO, Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes
- Prof. Alan Cass AO, Director, Menzies School of Health Research
- Ann-Marie Heinrich, COO, Snow Medical
- Prof. Caroline Homer AO, Executive Director, The Kids Research Institute Australia
- Dr. Shane Huntington OAM, CEO, Australian Society for Medical Research
- Prof. Anushka Patel, CEO, The George Institute for Global Health
- Prof. Allison Pettit, Executive Director, Mater Research
- Prof. Moira Clay, Deputy Director, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research
- Prof. Helena Teede, Director, Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University
- Prue Torrance, Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer, National Health and Medical Research Council
Progress on developing the new program
The consultation phase is a critical period in which sector voices will directly inform what the accreditation program looks like, what it measures, and how it works in practice.
MRIs will be invited to engage as the program progresses through consultation, co-design, piloting, and eventually national rollout.
If you are interested in finding out more about the project or participating in the consultation process, please email us at sage@sciencegenderequity.org.au.
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