More than one hundred scholarships awarded to boost diversity in STEM

The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) has today announced 116 scholarships to support women and diverse people to thrive in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers.

In the second round of the seven-year, $41.2 million program funded by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, ATSE is delighted to grow the number of scholarships on offer through the 2024 Elevate program with targeted support from the Department of Defence.

The 2024 cohort counts 14 additional undergraduate scholarships under a new partnership with the Australian Defence Science Technology Group (DSTG). The partnership aims to develop the urgently needed diverse STEM skills to support Australia’s growing science and defence workforce needs amid the current STEM skills shortage.

ATSE CEO Kylie Walker said she is thrilled to see the Elevate program grow from strength to strength, with more than 1,200 applications this year demonstrating the massive demand from Australian women who are looking to study STEM as a fulfilling career path.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Defence Science and Technology Group to support even more women and diverse people to join the STEM workforce and contribute to building the opportunities of our STEM-fuelled future.”

As well as the financial support, extensive skills development, mentoring and peer networking available to all Elevate scholars, the 14 Defence-funded scholarships also provide access to tours, workshops and panels taking place around the country, and invite-only DSTG networking events.

Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist, Professor Tanya Monro AC FTSE FAA said there is a growing need for diverse experiences and views in shaping Australia’s defence capabilities.

“Attracting talented STEM professionals to the rewarding field of defence science and technology is critical.

“Defence is building a capable and diverse workforce – we have an ambitious 50% target for women’s participation across key research and innovation career pathways.

“We’re proud to partner with ATSE to fund new undergraduate scholarships through the Elevate program, enabling women and diverse people to start a fulfilling career and deliver innovative technology solutions to give our ADF the edge,” said Professor Monro.

All Elevate scholars will commence their studies in early 2024, including 116 women and diverse people studying across 26 universities across Australia, and exploring an exciting range of science disciplines including cybersecurity, nuclear engineering and artificial intelligence.

More information

Applications for the Elevate program commencing in 2025 will open in early 2024.

ATSE administers and delivers Elevate and is excited to continue to work with our collaborative partners from industry and academia, including the Department of Industry, Science and Resources and the Defence Science and Technology Group, ATSE’s Industry Mentoring Network in STEM (IMNIS), DMTC Limited, Cooperative Research Australia, Gemaker, Cicada Innovations, FB Rice, Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN), Science & Technology Australia, Women in STEMM Australia (WiSA), Indigitek and Women in Leadership Development Program (WILD).

Find out more about the Elevate program: atse.org.au/elevate