Engineering innovator named advisory group Co-chair for Australia’s leading diversity in STEM Scholarship initiative – Elevate

The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) is delighted to announce that William (Bill) Cox FTSE, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of innovative design and engineering company Aurecon, has joined the Elevate Advisory Group as Co-Chair. 

Bill is a Champion of Change and an outspoken advocate for diversity and inclusion, and a leading innovator. Under his leadership, Aurecon has been named one of Australia and New Zealand’s best places to work, and in 2023 was named one of Australia’s most innovative companies for a 7th year in a row. 

The Elevate Advisory Group comprises industry and academic leaders who champion and guide strategy for the $41.2 million Elevate: Boosting women in STEM scholarships program. Elevate is a transformational initiative working to support a diverse range of women and non-binary people to enter and thrive in science, technology and engineering-powered careers.  

Bill Cox said, “We must continue to take deliberate action to increase the diversity of people choosing qualifications and careers in STEM, which includes investing in programs such as Elevate. Elevate accelerates the diversity of the pipeline into STEM, bringing more people overall, and greater diversity, into our workforce of STEM professionals. I am grateful to have this opportunity to play my part in the ongoing success of Elevate.” 

Dr Marlene Kanga AO FTSE is continuing as Co-Chair and is excited to be working with Bill to grow the program further. 

“I am delighted to welcome Bill as Co-Chair of Elevate and look forward to his contribution as a leader who is committed to excellence, innovation and most importantly, diversity. Elevate is well placed to continue to be a lighthouse program, in Australia, supporting the careers of women in STEM.” 

ATSE CEO Kylie Walker said that after just two years and with more than 160 scholars already in the program, Elevate is already having transformative impact. 

“As well as attaining skills and qualifications in areas where Australia needs to urgently build our capability, our scholars are also developing real-world skills, mentoring, networks and opportunities to build brilliant career pathways. Elevate is helping them to be well-rounded, skilled, and work-ready.  We’re excited to work with our Advisory Group and STEM-powered industries to grow the program as an important mechanism for growing a diverse, STEM-skilled Australian workforce.” 

Applications to Elevate for students starting studies in 2025 are now open. With a specific focus on increasing the diversity of the STEM sector, we particularly encourage applications from individuals who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander; individuals from regional, rural or remote areas; LGBTQIA+ individuals; individuals from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds; low-socioeconomic backgrounds; or those living with a disability. Diversity, inclusion, and achievement relative to opportunity are all considered in the assessment and selection process. 

Find out more about Elevate and applications for 2025 on the ATSE website. 

Elevate: Boosting Women in STEM was established with a foundational investment by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources. 

Prospective partners interested in co-investing to develop a bespoke cohort of scholars are invited to get in touch, at elevate@atse.org.au.