CRE in Newborn Medicine celebrates International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Today, on the 6^th International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we reflect on the depth of expertise of the women in our CRE in Newborn Medicine team, who are working to improve the outcomes for all newborn babies and their families. We also celebrate the men and the women in the team who are actively working to support the success of the next generation of female health professionals in the newborn medicine field.

In 2015, with the aim to promote full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls, and to achieve further gender equality across science and all STEM fields, the United Nations General Assembly declared February 11^th the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The aim was to promote full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls. There is, however, still a way to go with women making up 30 per cent of all researchers worldwide and in Australia women only accounting for 16% of those who are STEM–qualified.

Our director, Professor Jeanie Cheong supports the CRE in Newborn Medicine team being reflective of the community we are working for. Currently we have an even mix of men and women, and a range of generations, on our Executive. Discussions about research priorities and engagement activities are reflective of the diversity of perspectives and experiences that each of the members bring to the team. Our responsibility to train the next generation of health professionals in the newborn medicine field means that part of that is ensuring that women are represented at all levels of our team.

“Our CRE in Newborn Medicine is proud to have women working at all levels of the team – from our consumer advisors, to the Executive and our amazing students. We trust that our efforts will help build the participation of the next generation of women and girls in science” Jeanie said.