On August 30, 2019, Murdoch University hosted its inaugural Women in STEMM symposium, a landmark event celebrating the work of female researchers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine.

What began as an afternoon for female researchers to showcase their expertise, has today grown into a full-day forum that recognises and empowers Murdoch’s female researchers.

Like many industries, gender equity has been a challenge for academia, and universities haven’t always provided a level playing field for researchers, with women in particular facing multiple barriers in the early stages of their careers and in their career advancement. 

Which is why Associate Professor Ann-Maree Vallence, co-Director of the Action and Cognition Research Group in the School of Psychology, worked with a passionate group of Murdoch staff and students to create the Women in STEMM Symposium — Dr Hakuei Fujiyama, Shivan Radia, Sarah Baker, Dr Jane Tan, Dr Craig McIntosh, Dr Brittany Rurak, and Associate Professor Brendan Scott have all made substantial contributions.

"In 2019, a small group of us discussed the imbalance in men and women delivering invited presentations at conferences, and we started to brainstorm,” Associate Professor Vallence said.

“What could we do in our local community to overcome this issue? 

“So we developed the Annual Murdoch University Women in STEMM Research Symposium to provide a platform for outstanding scientists to present their research."

The first Women in STEMM Research Symposium

Held at the Hill Lecture Theatre at Murdoch’s South Street campus, the symposium brought together experienced and emerging researchers in an environment that fostered collaboration and innovation.

Then Vice Chancellor Professor Eeva Leinonen opened the symposium and special guest Professor Sally Kendall from the University of Kent spoke about her research seeking to improve the health and wellbeing of families and children.

Professor Kendall shared her learnings from a major NHMRC project in Australia concerned with the early parenting experiences of Aboriginal parents, and her work developing a parenting self-efficacy measure to investigate the effect of psychological support for parents of children with complex health needs.

The address set the tone for the Symposium, emphasising the importance of diverse and equitable research environments in achieving outstanding results.

Attendees were also treated to talks from some of Murdoch’s leading female researchers including Professor Sue Fletcher who spoke about her groundbreaking work in developing treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and Professor Treena Burgess who shared insights into the world of beneficial and detrimental microorganisms in natural ecosystems. 

Associate Professor Nicola Armstrong discussed advancements in mathematics, and Associate Professor Tania Urmee brought light to the importance of sustainable engineering with the rapid progression of climate change. 

Professor Burgess, who is now the Executive Director of Murdoch’s Harry Butler Institute, said presenting at the first symposium provided a valuable opportunity for her and her research to be recognised.

“That first event was a vital step forward for Murdoch’s women STEMM researchers,” she said.

“It showed us that we were important and deserved to be standing up there sharing our work.

“For many years STEMM research the world over has been male-dominated, couple that with the fact that career progression for women in academia is not always linear and you can see how it was time for us to stand up and be counted.”

Following the presentations, a lively panel discussion featured forensic scientist A/Prof Paola Magni, veterinary pathologist Associate Professor Phil Nicholls, and Pro Vice Chancellor of the Ngangk Yira Institute for Change and Professor in aboriginal Health Professor Rhonda Marriott. 

The symposium concluded with an opportunity for attendees to network with researchers and panellists over afternoon tea, fostering connections and collaborations that would extend beyond the event.

The subsequent Women in STEMM Symposiums

The success of the inaugural symposium paved the way for subsequent Women in STEMM Symposia at Murdoch University. Each year, the event has grown in scope and impact, continuing to highlight the achievements of female researchers and promote gender diversity in STEMM fields.

The following year the symposium featured engineer Dr Martina Calais who shared outcomes and experiences from a collaborative research project with Horizon Power, forensic scientist Dr Paola Magni spoke about the link between science, crimes, and fashion, and Associate Director Engagement and Experience Julie Whitlock reflected on her career working in IT.

In 2021 renowned burns specialist and pioneer of spray-on skin Professor Fiona Wood inspired attendees with her insights into skin regeneration and the importance of family support throughout your scientific career. Professor Wood also reminded the audience to be proud of their beginnings and to strive for excellence while remaining true to the cause. 

Image caption: Dr Fiona Wood at the 2021 Women in STEMM Symposium hosted by Murdoch University

“So, we've got to remember where we started and what the goal was . . . building on the shoulders of the giants have gone before, looking hard for the evidence and driving it into the future, ensuring that the quality of the outcome is worth the pain of survival,” she said.

The Symposium is 2021 also featured Dr Barbara Kachigunda who shared the importance of food security at the national and global level. Dr Kachingunda presenting virtually from the United States while on her a Fullbright Postdoctoral Fellowship—a great demonstration of her passion for research and the importance of seeking new opportunities.  

By 2022, the symposium had become a highly anticipated event, with 220 people attending. The program included keynotes from Professor Elaine Holmes on computational and systems medicine, Professor Jennifer Verduin on oceanography, and Professor Kris Warren on wildlife research. 

In 2023 attendees heard about strong foundations for offshore wind from University of Western Australia geotechnical engineer Professor Britta Beinen, while Murdoch Associate Professor Rachel Standish spoke about science for ecological restoration, and Dr Siobhon Egan shared how to uncover hidden threats with wildlife surveillance and human cohort studies in the hunt for zoonoses. Professor Samar Aoun, 2023 WA Australian of the Year and Head of Palliative Care Research at the Perron Institute, closed the Symposium with an important discussion on palliative and bereavement care, focusing on a compassionate communities model of care. 

The Women in STEMM symposium at Murdoch University has become a cornerstone event, celebrating the achievements of female researchers, promoting gender diversity in STEMM fields, and inspiring the next generation of scientists.

As the symposium continues to grow, it remains a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable research environment.