Initiatives and Opportunities

Opportunities for women in STEMM

Griffith takes pride in our Remarkable Women in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine) programs, outreach and initiatives that improve women’s access to and participation in STEMM fields. Our STEMM programs support career development for women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine.

We recognise the specific equity issues that women encounter in STEMM fields and are committed to addressing these issues by promoting and tracking women’s applications and supporting their progress and graduation through a range of initiatives and access schemes, including development programs, mentoring, scholarships, and leadership opportunities.

In December 2018, we were recognised for our commitment to addressing gender inequality in STEMM, by being among the first Australian institutions to receive an Athena SWAN Bronze Institutional Award (2018-2025) and a SAGE Cygnet Award in 2023.

Sustainable Development Goals

Griffith University is aligned with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is committed to promoting gender equity and providing equal opportunities for all individuals by fostering an inclusive environment that respects and values diversity.

Women in STEMM Initiatives

At Griffith, we engage in university outreach to encourage women's participation in STEM. We also collaborate with other universities, particularly those in the Innovative Research Universities consortium, community groups, government and NGOs in regional and national campaigns. Find out more about some of our initiatives below.

Scholarships and Priority Places for Women Studying STEM

As part of the Australian Government's commitment to support women who are working in paid employment to study an industry-relevant, higher education degree in a STEM field, Griffith University has secured 50 places in a newly developed Diploma of Computing and Data Analytics.

Women in STEM Stories

Read stories from women about studying and working in aviation, the built environment, engineering, environment, science and technology.

WiSE & LiTES: Networking & Mentoring for Women

There are a range of support networks and initiatives for women studying STEM subjects at Griffith, including Women in Stem and Education (WiSE), Ladies in Technology Engineering and Science (LiTES) and Women in Engineering – which provide opportunities for members to connect with other women in similar fields, and offer mentoring programs, school outreach workshops, professional development opportunities, industry engagement, and social events.

Women in Technology Membership

Women in Technology (WIT) is one of Australia’s biggest communities that support women in across all fields of science and technology. Griffith has a corporate membership with WIT. Register with WIT to stay up to date with news, events, training, and vacant positions by using your work email address.

STEM Outreach

Griffith Sciences offer a range of outreach activities to expose young people to the wonders of science. This includes interactive workshops, lab experiences, events, bridging and short courses, and programs that are designed to engage and open young minds to further study in STEM.

STEM Camp

Each year, Griffith hosts a 4-day STEM camp for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in years 9 and 10. This on-campus experience provides students the opportunity to participate in interactive workshops, lab tours, learn about Indigenous student success programs and strengthen their academic skills. 

STEM Early Reader Home Resource

Griffith offers parents across Queensland and Australia, our free, highly successful learn-to-read book series. This 24-book sets feature two engaging “cool” girl scientist’s (Suzie) and her “cool” mathematician sister (Millie), who present interesting scientific and mathematical concepts to engage kids and empower parents to explore these ideas with their children while developing and improving reading literacies and fluency.

GRIDD Gender Equity Initiatives

Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery (GRIDD) are champions of diversity in STEMM, working to overcome the specific equity issues that women face in STEMM fields.

That's RAD Science! Children’s Picture Books

That’s RAD! Science project brings science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers alive for children through a series of fun and educational children’s picture books about people working in different STEM areas.

Supporting women

Scholarships

Griffith University offers a range of scholarships to support women’s access and participation in higher education.

Examples of scholarships for women in underrepresented areas include the:

Leneen Forde Zonta Club of Brisbane Bursary supports an undergraduate female student enrolled at Griffith University’s Logan campus and is experiencing financial hardship.
Glycomics Circle Honours Scholarship awarded to an outstanding female student who has enrolled in any relevant honours program and is undertaking a research project within the Institute for Glycomics.
Master of Business Administration Scholarship for Women covers 50% of tuition fees for current and commencing female students in the MBA and associated programs.

Undergraduate & postgraduate scholarships

Higher degree by research scholarships

Financial support for students

Job Opportunities

At Griffith University we believe in, strive for and celebrate the remarkable.

We are known for our high impact research, outstanding student experience, our commitment to social justice and our welcoming environment. We're proud of our remarkable achievements, of our people and their passion for making a positive difference. Together we contribute to the development of knowledge and learning in an attractive environment which values excellence, equity, diversity, and innovation.

Explore our jobs page and join our remarkable team with an opportunity on our jobs page.

Job opportunities

Access and Participation Pathways for Women

Over 60% of Griffith’s student and staff population are women. We support women to access education and provide flexible pathways, scholarships and mentoring to support women to complete their studies.

Women's Access

Mentoring for Women

Griffith offers over 30 mentoring programs for staff and students that support women to develop skills for personal and professional growth, identify career goals, expand professional networks, succeed in studies, and receive career advice.

Our programs for women

Women in Leadership Program

Since 2003, Griffith University has offered a leadership development program for women in both academic and administrative roles. This program is part of the suite of leadership activities support its leaders and aspiring leaders. The Women in Leadership program allows participants to learn from successful leaders and network with fellow aspiring leaders.

Our Women in Leadership Program

Gender Equity

Griffith’s Gender Equity Statement describes the University’s stance and approach to gender equity

Gender Equity Statement

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Griffith’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy supports our values and commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice

Our policy

Griffith is committed to encouraging applications by women in subjects where they are underrepresented. Since 2020, the proportion of women receiving degrees in STEM has progressively increased.

Find out more