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We’re in an era where scientific collaboration is breaking down barriers like never before. Ideas and techniques are being shared across disciplines, regions and countries.
A crucial part of this exciting change? Women in science. Their inclusion is proving to be the secret sauce behind some of the most groundbreaking discoveries.
At Deakin University’s Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM), three women in science are leading the charge in scientific fields traditionally dominated by men. Their experiences and insights are not only inspiring but are also shaping the future for the next generation of female Australian scientists.
The scientific field is filled with the achievements of incredible women and non-binary individuals who have made major contributions to their fields, often breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes along the way.
From Ada Lovelace, the first computer programmer, who was writing algorithms when most were still figuring out how to use a quill pen, to Katherine Johnson, whose precise calculations were essential for NASA’s space missions, women in science have played vital roles in shaping our understanding of the universe.
Marie Curie stands out as a monumental figure, being the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to receive one in two different scientific fields – Physics and Chemistry. Her groundbreaking research on radioactivity didn’t just advance science; it also opened doors for future generations of scientists, especially women in science.
Today, female scientists continue to lead in diverse fields, from climate science to genomics. Women in science like Jennifer Doudna, who co-invented CRISPR technology, are at the forefront of genetic engineering, making strides that could transform medicine and agriculture.
Celebrating these trailblazers is vital because their stories inspire the next generation of scientists to pursue their passions in STEM, showing them that they too can make a difference.
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The statistics tell a story about women in science. Spoiler alert: we’ve made progress, but there’s still a lot to be done!
Globally, women in science remain underrepresented, making up less than 30% of researchers, according to UNESCO.
In Australia, women in science account for only 17% of STEM study enrolments and just 29% of the STEM workforce. Leadership roles within STEM are particularly male dominated, with women comprising only 10% of CEOs in STEM industries.
But there is some good news! Despite these figures, females in science dominate in specific areas like scientific research services, where they represent 65% of the workforce and the overall number of women in STEM-qualified occupations increased by 7% from 2022 to 2023. That’s about 16,000 more women in science, rocking lab coats and crunching numbers!
The gender pay gap in STEM industries improved slightly, dropping from 17% in 2022 to 16% in 2023. Progress, but we’re not popping champagne just yet.
Girls also remain underrepresented in STEM education at the high school level, particularly in subjects like information technology, physics, and engineering, where they make up only a quarter of year 12 enrolments.
The takeaway? We’re moving in the right direction, but there’s still a long way to go.
When it comes to women in science, Professor Maria Forsyth is a true trailblazer.
As a Deakin Distinguished Professor and an Associate Research Director of the Battery Research and Innovation Hub at Deakin’s Institute for Frontier Materials, she is at the forefront of advanced materials research, focusing on next-generation battery technologies. Her commitment to driving innovation in a traditionally male-dominated field underscores her determination to break barriers and inspire others.
Prof. Forsyth is internationally recognised as a leader in her field and is acutely aware of the unique challenges women in science face. However, she emphasises the incredible strengths that diversity brings to scientific research.
‘I’m proud to be a role model – not just for young women, but for all those looking at entering the scientific arena. I want to show them you can be female as well as smart and a good leader. It’s not either/or. You don’t have to be one of the blokes. Just be yourself, because we all have skills to offer,’ Prof. Forsyth says.
With the Battery Research and Innovation Hub’s cutting-edge facilities, Prof. Forsyth and her team are working on new materials that could make renewable energy storage cheaper and more efficient, ready to compete with today’s options.
‘The team brings quite a diverse set of experience to the work, from bioscience to engineering, materials science, and chemistry, but everyone has important roles to play,’ she explains.
Her work isn’t just about creating the latest in energy storage solutions; it’s also about building a collaborative environment where every team member’s unique perspective is appreciated.
By leading a diverse team, Prof. Forsyth proves how women in science can drive innovation and inspire future generations of female scientists.
For Professor Tiffany Walsh, it’s all about teamwork – whether it’s within her team and across borders.
Leading the charge as a molecular modelling expert, she’s pioneering innovative technology that can measure stress and fatigue without any needles or invasive procedures. Her team might be mostly male, but for her, it’s all about bringing the best minds together, gender aside.
‘We can’t necessarily compete with America and China for everything, but if we want to punch above our weight, then Australian scientists need to work together,’ she says.
Having returned to Australia from the UK, Prof. Walsh is focused on creating technology that can measure stress biomarkers without invasive procedures.
‘We want to be able to chemically measure the biomarker molecules that indicate stress or fatigue in the body without taking blood samples, for example by monitoring sweat or tears,’ she explains. ‘It’s a revolutionary technology for measuring vigilance and stress at a molecular level.’
Although her team is predominately male, Prof. Walsh highlights the importance of diversity in scientific research.
‘Our research lies at the junction of many disciplines, including physical science aspects, such as maths, chemistry, physics and materials science. It also includes biology, where historically there has been greater female participation,’ she points out. ‘Ultimately, you just want the best people on your team regardless of gender, who contribute, get along and help each other.’
Prof. Walsh believes that for Australia to remain competitive on the global stage, scientists – especially women in science in Australia – need to work together and support one another.
It’s not just about the research; it’s about creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
As Deakin’s go-to expert on short ultrafine fibres, Assoc. Prof. Alessandra Sutti heads up the award-winning short polymer fibres group at IFM.
Her experience shows how an open and supportive culture can spark collaboration across teams and disciplines, regardless of background or gender.
Her team dives into the coolest questions about future fibres, like making them super water-repellent or great at soaking up chemicals.
A noteworthy example of this innovative research is the 2016 collaboration with industry partner HeiQ, which led to the development and commercial release of HeiQ RealSilk – a product that enables ordinary fabrics to mimic the feel and characteristics of silk.
‘RealSilk is the result of hard work by a dedicated team of multidisciplinary researchers at IFM, Deakin’s School of Engineering, and HeiQ,’ A/Prof. Sutti says.
As a materials scientist and engineer, A/Prof. Sutti sees firsthand how the landscape of scientific research is evolving.
‘More and more, you don’t just have specialists working only in a narrow field. You also have a growing number of people who can apply their expertise to a wide range of research that has a real impact on fundamental and applied science,’ she observes.
Her experience proves that when we’re supporting women in science and giving them the resources they need, the possibilities are endless. It’s not just good for women in science; it’s good for science in general.
Yes! There are tons of grants and scholarships out there for women in science, offering the cash and resources to take careers to the next level.
Here are some key grants for women in science and making a difference:
These grants and programs aren’t just about the money (though let’s be honest, that helps!). They’re about building a support network, opening doors, and showing everyone what women in science can really do when they’re given a shot.
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The future’s looking bright for women in science. With more women taking the lead and pushing for gender equity, science is getting more exciting and innovative than ever.
With trailblazers like Professors Forsyth, Walsh, and Dr. Sutti leading the charge and rewriting the rules, the next wave of scientific breakthroughs is just around the corner. Their work demonstrates that when women in science unite and follow their passions, the sky’s the limit.
The future of science is in excellent hands, and it’s only going to get more amazing!
Chief researcher in short ultrafine fibres, Institute for Frontier Materials
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Deakin Distinguished Professor, Director of The Battery Research and Innovation Hub, Associate Director in the ARC Centre of Excellence in Electromaterials Science
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Professor of Bionanotechnology, Institute for Frontier Materials
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