Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February – a community we’re proud to be a part of.
We work with scientists, including many brilliant women across diverse sectors of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), from agriculture and fisheries, natural and built environments, to food, health and medical research.
These women are driving innovation and change, expanding knowledge, and creating new technologies to advance sustainable societies, economies and environments.
And in our work, we join our mission to theirs. Coretext’s own women in STEM –
our science writers, editors and designers – aim to provide the best possible research and development communications and creative services in Australia, to share important research and extension work, and the difference this work is making in the world.
Coretext director, scientist turned journalist and communication strategist, Penny Fannin leads our team, facilitating the communication of science, including the critical role of women in scientific endeavours.
The Australian Government’s Study Australia website highlights diversity as particularly important for industries rooted in innovation. Women broaden the perspectives, viewpoints and experiences considered in driving innovation and change.
But a significant gender gap remains. According to the STEM Equity Monitor 2022, women make up only 15 per cent of people working in STEM-qualified jobs.
Only 15 per cent of people working in STEM-qualified jobs are women.
Featuring women and their work through the communication of science and research can play an important role in closing this gap: providing role models for girls, highlighting career opportunities and different ways in which women are making an impact.
Profiling women in science
We have produced many articles highlighting the role of women in STEM. One recent Coretext story for the Grains Research and Development Corporation's GroundCover magazine shares the work of crop scientist Dr Felicity Harris (pictured above). Felicity has been leading a multi-institutional team to optimise yield potential of winter cereals in Australia’s northern grain growing region. (Photo: Nicole Baxter) Read more here.
Another story features Dr Seeseei Molimau-Samasoni (pictured below), an agricultural researcher working with the Samoan Government. The story, written by Coretext’s Melissa Marino, describes Dr Molimau-Samasoni’s path to becoming a scientific leader and the lessons she has learnt as a recipient of a Meryl Williams Fellowship, provided through the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research. (Photo: University of New England). Read more here.
For the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, we have profiled marine scientist Isobel Sewell (below, left) and geneticist Katarina Doughty (below, right), who are excited about the potential of aquaculture. They have been researching insect-based aquaculture fish feeds in Western Australia. Read more of Corrina Ridgway’s story and see her photography here.
Sunday, 11 February 2024 marks the 9th annual International Day of Women and Girls in Science, also referred to as STEMM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine.
Learn more about the Coretext team helping with the Women and Girls in Science mission here.