UNSW has a reputable history of female graduates making an impact in the STEM workforce. We recognise that women and girls in science bring a unique perspective and highly valuable skillset to science and leadership roles.
From internships to industry scholarships and mentoring, our initiative aims to foster an inclusive culture that closes the science gender gap and harnesses the talents of women into the future.
Each year, to celebrate International Women’s Day, UNSW Science and the Australian National Maritime Museum host a free Symposium for 400 high school students to celebrate women in science. Students get the opportunity to participate in a Young Scientists discussion session with guest speakers and have exclusive tours through the museum.
UNSW Science and UNSW Engineering run two full days of activities for Year 10 female students interested in a career in STEM during the winter school holidays.
Over the program, we take 100 girls to visit organisations such as Cochlear and Google to meet professional scientists and engineers. Students also participate in STEM workshops and talks at UNSW Sydney.
The Science 50:50 program engages girls and technology via school visits, competitions, school holiday programs and science events – recruiting the help of universities, research organisations and industries.
Students who attend our Exploring STEM Careers Program are invited to participate in a blog competition. The winners of the blog competition are each offered a pathway scholarship worth $1,750 to study extension maths at high school and a STEM degree at university. So far, we have awarded 28 scholarships to girls passionate about STEM.
Science 50:50 aims to build a network of speakers and mentors and to broker new internship opportunities for female students across Australia’s science and technology industries.
Contact our program leader Professor Veena Sahajwalla: (02) 9385 4426
Read some of the most popular questions asked at the annual Women in Science Symposium. Speakers included UNSW Science students, professors and recent graduates.
