Australia’s Women in STEM Ambassador Initiative
Explore the evidence-informed initiatives Australia’s Women in STEM Ambassador has developed to address inequities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
The Women in STEM Ambassador is an Australian Government initiative that works to remove structural barriers to participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith was first appointed to the role in 2018 and was subsequently reappointed in 2020, 2022 and 2023. Based at UNSW Sydney, the staff in the Office of the Women in STEM Ambassador actively engage with Australia's business leaders, educators, and policymakers to enhance the involvement of women and girls in STEM.
The Women in STEM Ambassador’s team employ a collaborative and evidence-based approach to identify effective strategies for mitigating STEM inequities. Their initiatives encompass outreach, research projects, and a national digital campaign tailored for children, parents and caregivers.
The team conducts rigorous research to evaluate and inform strategies that promote diversity and inclusion in STEM sectors. Through the development of publicly available research, programs and tools, their activities contribute to and guide equity at all stages of the STEM pipeline, benefitting schoolchildren, educators, parents, businesses, government and employers alike.
In partnership with government, educational institutions, research entities, and private sector organisations, the team advocates for systemic changes that facilitate the full engagement of all people in STEM education and the workforce. This work aligns with national efforts to promote gender equity in STEM, including the Australian Government's Advancing Women in STEM Strategy and the Women in STEM Decadal Plan.
The team
STEM resources
Contact us
For further information, contact the Office of the Women in STEM Ambassador.