Inspiring the next generation of women in STEM

The Academy is celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science by highlighting the importance of gender equity in STEM.

We spoke with two of our passionate 2025 Teaching Excellence Program Expert Teachers in Residence, Emma Perrett and Tara Quenault, who are passionate about boosting the number of female students studying STEM-based subjects.

Emma emphasises the need to create real pathways for girls in STEM, saying ‘It's not enough to just say 'go for it. We need to make sure girls have the support and opportunities they need to thrive in STEM. While progress has been made in breaking down barriers, gender biases and systemic challenges still persist.’ 

‘The next decade must be about not just inspiring girls to pursue STEM but actively creating the pathways that allow them to thrive.'

Emma also highlights the importance of mentorship and encouragement for young girls, urging them to 'seek out mentors, ask the hard questions and take up space.'

Building on the importance of mentorship, Tara stressed the need for visibility of strong female role models.  ‘Seeing successful women in STEM makes a huge difference,’ she says.

‘Gender equity in STEM is a passion that I share with many fellow educators, not least because my own science journey is so strongly shaped by visible female role models.’

Want to learn more? Tara recommends checking out the work of some amazing Australian women scientists and our own Academy experts:

• Read Ana Traven's reflections for a deep dive into antimicrobial resistance (and what scientists can do about it).
• Listen to Karlie Noon and Krystal De Napoli talk about the connections between sky country and astronomy as a starting point to their body of work.
• Explore the legacy of Ros Gleadow in the study of plant ecophysiology and climate change.
• Read this article by the Academy’s own Anam Javed about the power of design thinking in STEM education.  
• Be inspired by our Teaching Impact Fellowship Alumni Birra-Li Ward and Sarah Edwards on where arts meets science: engaging students in creating sustainable artworks for a greener future.