SAGE is co-designing two dedicated accreditation programs, purpose-built for the TAFE sector, and for MRIs.

This multi-year project aims to foster workplace cultures and learning environments that attract, retain and progress underrepresented groups – including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, and LGBTQIA+ communities.

This will be achieved by embedding systemic gender equity, diversity and inclusion (GEDI) practices into everyday structures, decisions, and accountabilities.

Each program will include an awards pathway co-designed with sector leaders and practitioners, piloted, refined and rolled out nationally. Critically, each pathway will be tailored for the unique environments, complexities and challenges of each of the TAFE and MRI sectors, because no two sectors are the same, and a one-size-fits-all approach won’t drive real change.

Medical Research Institute (MRI) Accreditation Pathway

MRIs operate on short funding cycles and manage highly specialised, grant-dependent workforces.

These conditions fundamentally influence how gender equity, diversity and inclusion challenges are experienced and what effective action looks like in practice.

The MRI pathway is being designed from the ground up to reflect this reality.

We are inviting MRI directors, executive leadership, people and culture and human resources staff, and those working on diversity, equity and inclusion to participate in the formal consultation process.

TAFE Accreditation Pathway

Skills shortages across Australia deepen as gender segregation in training and employment persists, with shortages most pronounced in male-dominated occupations.

For many people, these barriers are compounded by race, disability, or First Nations identity, where multiple layers of disadvantage intersect, making equitable participation even harder to achieve.

TAFEs are uniquely positioned to drive change, but to do so they need a framework that reflects how they operate, who their learners are, and the local communities and industries they serve.

The TAFE pathway is being designed to do exactly that.

We are inviting TAFE CEOs and leadership, people and culture and human resources directors, and those leading equity, diversity and inclusion and student support portfolios to participate in the formal consultation process.

Project Timeline

Discovery and Consultations (2025-2026)

Sector consultations with TAFE and MRI leaders and practitioners.

Co-design and Refinement (2027-2028)

Framework codesign, building and testing with participating TAFEs and MRIs.

National Launch (2029)

Rollout of the refined accreditation framework, with ongoing support and recognition pathways.

This work is part of the Science in Australia Gender and Equity Framework (SAGE Framework) project, funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources.

Get Involved

Between July and October 2026, we will seek feedback on the draft design through a comprehensive, sector-wide consultation process. All relevant stakeholders will be invited to take part and share their views.

If you are interested in finding out more about the project or participating in the consultation process, please email us: sage@sciencegenderequity.org.au

Stay up to date on this project and other SAGE initiatives by subscribing to our mailing list and connecting with us on LinkedIn.

Register for Upcoming MRI Sympoisia

SAGE is delivering two upcoming EDI Symposia designed specifically for the medical research institute (MRI) sector.

These events are built for people doing the work and those who want to do it better. That includes EDI practitioners, HR and culture leads, MRI leaders, members of EDI or equivalent committees, and anyone interested in strengthening EDI practice in an MRI.  

Melbourne, Thursday 18 June 2026 | 9:30 am – 3:00 pm The Florey, Parkville. Register by 11 June 
Sydney, Thursday 27 August 2026 | 9:30 am – 3:00 pm Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst 

Cost: Free for SAGE member institutions | $50 per person for non-member institutions | $25 for students 

FAQs

What is the purpose of this project?

This multi-year project is funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources with the aim to foster workplace cultures and learning environments that attract, retain and progress underrepresented cohorts in the MRI and TAFE sectors.

Who will be involved?

Between July and October 2026, we will seek feedback on the draft design through a comprehensive, sector-wide consultation process. Stakeholders from TAFE and MRI sectors will be invited to take part and share their views.

What is the committment?

Participating in this process will be voluntary, flexible, and designed to respect your organisation’s time and existing commitments, while ensuring meaningful input.

We estimate the total time commitment will be approximately 1-2 hours between July and October 2026, with timing options tailored to your availability.

What impact will this project create?

Since 2016, SAGE has been working with Universities and research organisations to deliver practical organization-wide change to improve gender equality, diversity and inclusion through the Athena Swan Program.

The members have received more than 86 awards for delivering targeted evidence-based action that has delivered change. These have included initiatives targeting the gender pay gap, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, disability inclusion, parents and carers flexibility, gender-based violence and many more. Our progress and impact case studies captures the real value of this work.

Impact can also be seen clearly at the macro level through reporting mechanisms such as the yearly Workplace Gender Equity Agency employer data. In 2025, SAGE member institutions reported a lower median gender pay gap (6.5% compared to 10.3% for non-members).

Member institutions are closing gaps faster, balancing gender representation in senior roles, embedding stronger transparency and accountability, creating safer workplaces and implementing robust policy foundations.

SAGE’s model is now considered sector best-practice, reflective of international best practice and highly prestigious in higher education and research.

Based on the impact success of SAGE’s Athena Swan program, SAGE is co-designing bespoke programs for TAFEs and MRIs. These sectors now have a unique opportunity to shape their own tailored approach that draws on the proven Athena Swan model, but is designed specifically for these sectors individual strengths, realities, and ambitions.

Recent Updates

News

Register for Upcoming Symposia: EDI Enablers in Medical Research Institutes (MRI)

Upcoming EDI Symposia designed specifically for the MRI sector, coming to Melbourne in June and Sydney in August 2026.
News

Building a new awards pathway for TAFEs 

In 2025, we engaged leaders, practitioners, and sector representatives, marking the first step in developing a new national TAFE accreditation model.
News

Shaping a new awards pathway for Medical Research Institutes (MRIs)

With the discovery phase now complete, we’re moving into concept design and consultations, working alongside MRIs to shape a framework that is fit-for-purpose, scalable, and genuinely valuable.
News

$7.1 million in new funding for diversity in Australian science

SAGE has been granted funding over five years to deliver an expanded Australian science accreditation framework.

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