The Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) Board is delighted to announce the establishment of the new Athena Swan Australia Advisory Committee.

Consisting of 12 expert members, the Committee will provide assurance, independent advice and guidance to SAGE on the implementation of the Athena Swan Charter in Australia.

Members

The Committee will be chaired by Professor Catherine Elliott, Deputy Executive Director and Director of Research at the Telethon Kids Institute.

The other 11 members are:

  • Associate Professor Gail Crimmins, Associate Dean – Learning and Teaching, School of Business and Creative Industries, University of the Sunshine Coast
  • Professor Andrew J Deeks, Vice-Chancellor and President, Murdoch University
  • Dr Kumi De Silva, Gender Equity Programs Manager, University of Technology Sydney
  • Dr Melanie Fuller, Executive Director Workforce Capability and Talent, Defence Science and Technology Group.
  • A/Prof Edwin Hawkins, Laboratory Head, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
  • Dr Andrew Heap, Chief of Minerals, Energy and Groundwater Division, Geoscience Australia
  • Associate Professor Kate Huppatz, Associate Dean, Research, School of Social Sciences, Western Sydney University
  • Professor Kay Latham, Dean, STEMM, Diversity & Inclusion, RMIT University
  • Professor Cobie Rudd, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Regional Futures) and Vice-President, Edith Cowan University
  • Professor Zlatko Skrbis, Vice-Chancellor and President, Australian Catholic University
  • Scientia Professor Fiona Stapleton, School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW Sydney

Collectively these members offer deep expertise in equity, diversity and inclusion from across the higher education and research sector.

Thank you and welcome

SAGE Chair Libby Lyons welcomed the inaugural committee members and thanked them for wanting to be part of this important Advisory Committee.

“We are very grateful to each of the Advisory Committee members for being prepared to commit their valuable time to supporting SAGE’s work and the future of the Athena Swan accreditation framework in Australia”.

“The SAGE Board, management and I look forward to working closely with this group of esteemed people, and benefiting from their valuable guidance.”

Purpose

The Athena Swan Australia Advisory Committee is charged with providing strategic advice on the Athena Swan Framework; advising on data collection, customisation and resources; and consulting with the sector to ensure that the Charter and operation of Athena Swan remain fit for purpose.

The full terms of reference for the Athena Swan Australia Advisory Committee are available on the SAGE website.