Emerging Leaders Lab: Women In STEM

​Recent research has identified that women studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) at university have the highest rate of attrition following the completion of their degree. This phenomenon is referred to as ‘the leaky STEM pipeline’. With an estimated 75 per cent of the fastest growing occupations requiring strong STEM skills, it is more important than ever that we support young women in STEM industries and encourage their leadership in the sector.

The Future of Work Lab in partnership with the University of Melbourne is seeking to address this rising rate of attrition amongst women in STEM. Linking tertiary students with young industry professionals, the Future of Work Lab’s Emerging Leaders Lab: Women in STEM program will be the first initiative at the university that brings together women from each STEM faculty for leadership training, networking, and mentoring.

Using an evidence-based approach, the program aims to support individual career development and broader organisational change. Research suggests that connecting female students and professionals of a similar age and career trajectory could strengthen the STEM pipeline and increase workforce retention rates. Leadership programs provide women in STEM an inclusive and supportive environment in which participants can explore their career options whilst expanding their professional network.

By connecting students with industry professionals, our program aims to promote the importance of a gender-inclusive and equitable STEM workforce. We hope to encourage students to pursue STEM careers following the completion of their degrees and inspire industry professionals to purse leadership positions within their industries.

Further research can be viewed here.