Nearly $16 million in new grants has been provided by the federal government to 17 successful projects that will support more women to study and build careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). 

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic said the federal government is committed to supporting more women in STEM careers and nurturing innovation. 

“We want to make sure that more women find lasting, rewarding and successful careers in STEM fields, regardless of their background,” Minister Husic said. 

“Our focus is on supporting opportunity for Australians from all corners of the community into rewarding STEM careers.” 

Check out: Experts reveal Australia’s “phenomenal demand” for net zero talent

This latest round of Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship (WiSE) grants provide between $500,000 and $1 million to expand successful projects that will increase awareness of STEM education and improve STEM opportunities for girls or women. 

“The WiSE grants focus on projects that remove systemic and cultural barriers for women in STEM education, careers, innovation and entrepreneurship,” Minister Husic said. 

“The grants program supports projects that increase the number of women in senior leadership and decision-making positions in government, research organisations, industry and business.” 

Under this round, grants have been given to the following projects: 

• GMIC Geelong Manufacturing Council to support the Women in Manufacturing Network to partner with VET institutions and industry. 
• University of Melbourne to place 113 women STEM postgraduate students into industry internships; 
• University of Western Australia to train 200 women teachers, who will then teach quantum computing to 11-15-year-old girls; 
• Food Futures Company to scale up projects aimed at increasing participation of Indigenous women in the agrifood sector. 
• RBG Enterprises for the WILD On Board program to provide opportunities for women leaders to gain board positions; 
• Code Like a Girl to expand its School of Code program to with an expanded course program and internship placement; and 
• Indigenous Entrepreneur Network for culturally-appropriate coaching and training, and to build business networks to help Indigenous women and girls to thrive. 

Check out: Qld to have a $1.3b lithium-ion battery sector

The first three rounds of the WiSE program have provided $10 million for 54 projects, which have made a significant impact on the participation of women and girls in STEM across Australia. 

Source: Minister for Industry and Science media release. Content has been edited for style and length. 

Eliza Sayon

Website | + posts

Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

• Developing an effective data ecosystem
• The journey of building an ecosystem through data
• NZ government strengthens data privacy laws against third parties
• eSafety Commissioner issues legal notice against Twitter