As we celebrate International Women in Maths Day on Monday 12 May, we’re shining a spotlight on the impactful ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï initiatives that are creating pathways for women in STEM.
½ñÈճԹϒs 2024 Year 12 Participation Report shows that Australia is experiencing a decline in mathematics participation at secondary school, where enrolments in higher‑level mathematics courses are now at an all‑time low for both genders. This low student interest in maths is impacting the next generation of mathematically capable university graduates. Critically, there is persistent inequity in participation of women in STEM studies and careers. Learn more about how ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï is helping to advance gender equality through enhancing girl and women participation in maths below.
½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï Industry Days for Teachers: Linking Classroom Maths to Future Careers
Supported by The Invergowrie Foundation, the ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï Industry Days for Teachers equips educators with the tools required to showcase exciting career opportunities that depend on quantitative skills, helping expand the growing STEM workforce and safeguard future economic prosperity. With five free events planned across Victoria – including two in metropolitan areas at RMIT and Swinburne University, and three in regional locations at La Trobe University’s Mildura and Bendigo campuses, and Deakin University in Warrnambool – this initiative aims to foster stronger connections between schools, universities, and industry. By delivering these events regionally, ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï aligns with The Invergowrie Foundation’s shared commitment to supporting girl students from regional, rural, First Nations, and low SES backgrounds – groups that remain underrepresented in mathematical sciences and the broader STEM workforce. Learn more and register here.
Praeger Henstridge Awards and Prizes
Thanks to the incredible generosity of founding donors Professor Cheryl Praeger and Dr. John Henstridge, ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï has launched the Praeger-Henstridge Fund for perpetual awards and prizes in the mathematical sciences. These awards will support the important work of closing the gender gap and increasing participation in the mathematical sciences. The first awards will be made in the second half of 2025 in partnership with and the . Learn more about Cheryl and John’s inspiring vision and how their donation lays the groundwork for this initiative. Read their story here.
½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï Specialist Maths High School Scholarships for Girls
The ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï Specialist Maths High School Scholarships for Girls are a cohort of outstanding Victorian girl high school students who have been awarded the inaugural ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï Specialist Maths High School Scholarships for Girls. This program aims to address the persistently low participation rates of girl students in specialist mathematics by providing these scholars with vital resources and mentoring support. Through this initiative, ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï seeks to empower young women to pursue advanced-level mathematics, fostering their confidence and capabilities to excel in the field and paving the way for greater gender equity in mathematics and related disciplines. Learn more about the scholarship scheme and meet our scholars here.
APR.Intern – The industry engagement arm of ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï and Australia’s only national PhD program
WiSE Masterclass: APR.Intern delivered our inaugural Women in STEM (WiSE) and Entrepreneurship Masterclass in October 2024. Co-hosted with Western Sydney, this three-day Masterclass provided APR WiSE PhD women interns with critical insights into research commercialisation, innovation and entrepreneurship, which are key areas crucial for advancing Australia’s research and economic landscape.
: The Women in STEM (WiSE) $7,500 subsidy is available to businesses that engage with women in STEM postgraduate research student interns. Delivered on behalf of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, APR has place 67 women into STEM internships. The Subsidy supports APR.Intern’s commitment to increasing the number of women in STEM industry careers.
Research and Higher Education
½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï provides to support undergraduate and postgraduate students in participating in Research and Higher Education programs and events. Travel grants support Women, First Nations and Regional, Rural and Remote students to build and extend their skills and professional networks by providing funding to break down barriers to participation.
