University of Melbourne statement on Snow Medical decision

The University of Melbourne is committed to strengthening a vibrant and inclusive community where diversity is recognised, valued and celebrated.

We were advised of the decision by Snow Medical yesterday to suspend support to the University under the Snow Fellowship program. While we acknowledge the areas where we need to improve, Snow Medical has made their decision on the basis of a single honorary doctorate event. This event is not a true reflection of who we are as a university and the steps we are taking, and continue to take, to build a diverse university community, reflective of broader society.

Our Diversity and Inclusion strategy published in 2021, supports a vision to create a thriving, fair and diverse University community, working together respectfully to make a difference to each other and in the world.

We are in the process of finalising the University’s first Gender Equality Action Plan, which will complement our Athena Swan Women in Science Action Plan.

Since 2019 five of the six most recent senior leadership appointments within the University’s executive team are women.  This includes the Provost, three Deans, and the first Deputy Vice-Chancellor (People and Community).

We look forward to continuing to work with Snow Medical.

Further information related to the recent honorary doctorate ceremony can be found here.