Goal 5:
Gender Equality
Women's Application in Underrepresented Subjects
The University actively encourages applications from women in fields where they are traditionally underrepresented, particularly in STEM disciplines.
Industry collaboration – HunterWiSE:
The Hunter Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship (HunterWiSE) program is a flagship initiative led by the University in partnership with industry stakeholders such as Hunter Water, BHP, Glencore, and Port of Newcastle. This program provides mentorship and leadership development opportunities for school-aged girls and women across the Hunter region, supporting them before and during their university journey. It fosters long-term engagement through deep collaboration with schools, government, and industry, aiming to build confidence, capacity, and aspiration among women in STEM.
Targeted outreach and representation:
The University regularly features women in STEM across its outreach platforms, including Open Days, school engagement activities, and targeted external campaigns aimed at increasing female participation in underrepresented disciplines. We prioritise the visibility of female role models by ensuring that at least 50% of featured students and imagery in STEM-related promotional content represent women. This approach helps challenge stereotypes and encourages more women to see themselves in these careers.
Initiatives
HunterWiSE delivers three interconnected actions to support the participation of women and girls in STEM in Newcastle and the Hunter Region.
HunterWiSE Outreach
HunterWiSE Outreach is a 10-week program for female students in Year 8 of high school. This program aims to positively shape girls’ perception of STEM, sparking interest in STEM education and careers.
Since 2017, the program has reached more than 550 students from 18 high schools across the region. Supported by University of Newcastle student mentors, participants work together to solve local community issues while developing STEM skills.
The Schools Outreach Program provides hands-on learning experiences to inspire young girls to pursue STEM pathways.
HunterWiSE Scholarships
The HunterWiSE Women in STEM Scholarship was established to support the participation of women in STEM careers.
The HunterWiSE Women in STEM Scholarship is a $5,000 payment to a female student studying a STEM degree at the University of Newcastle. The scholarship provides financial assistance, as well as access to a supportive professional network.
The Women in STEM Scholarship fund is sustained through donations, underscoring community support for a more diverse and inclusive STEM landscape. Donations over $2 are tax deductible and can be made at any time.
HunterWiSE Network
The HunterWiSE Network is a robust regional network of women from industry, business, government, education, and academia. The HunterWiSE Network offers opportunities for women in STEM to connect and share experiences.
HunterWiSE hosts events for the benefit of Network members, such as panel discussions, presentations, and guest lectures. HunterWiSE student mentors and scholars play a role within the Network, facilitating connections between University students and industry to bolster the STEM pipeline.
You can join the HunterWiSE Network to stay updated on events and activities.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.