About UQ

The SAGE Athena SWAN Program

The University of Queensland is proud to be a Bronze Institutional Award level participant in the SAGE Athena SWAN program, a charter for research organisations that is improving gender equity in the science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) disciplines all over the world.

The Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) Athena Science Women’s Academic Network (SWAN) charter aims to improve gender equity in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, medicine (STEMM) disciplines in higher education and research institutions.

Participating organisations apply for award levels that reflect their progress towards gender equity in STEMM. After successfully achieving the entry-level Bronze accreditation, organisations must then implement agreed actions and initiatives before they can apply for higher levels of Silver or Gold status.

SAGE Athena SWAN is an Australian adaptation of an accreditation framework successfully implemented in the United Kingdom since 2005. In the UK, some research grant bodies now require organisations to have a minimum Bronze-level award to be eligible for grant applications.

SAGE Athena SWAN specifically focuses on improving and supporting career progression in STEMM disciplines – where women are under-represented – and requires organisations to address challenges people may experience in these fields.

Nearly 50 Australian organisations, including universities, medical research institutions and government research institutions, are involved in the SAGE Athena SWAN program, with 39 participants achieving Bronze Award accreditation to date. 

The program’s many benefits, verified by an independent review of the Athena SWAN charter in 2014, include:

  • women being more deliberately and prominently involved in the organisation and the wider sector
  • all staff experiencing an increase career development opportunities, self-confidence, and leadership skills
  • broader organisational thinking about gender issues.
 

SAGE Athena SWAN at UQ

SAGE Athena SWAN at UQ

At UQ, we value and apply the SAGE Athena SWAN principles of reflection and support across our entire organisation. We are identifying and addressing barriers that all researchers experience in their careers, to improve diversity in all disciplines, at all levels, and for all people.

After a lengthy consultation, planning, and application process for our first submission for accreditation, UQ was awarded a Bronze Institutional Award in 2019, and now has 5 years to implement an agreed action plan in order to be eligible to apply for a Silver Institutional Award in 2027.

A Gender Steering Committee (GSC) – chaired by Deputy Provost, Professor Pauline Ford, and consisting of 15 staff from across UQ and 1 external industry representative – will implement our Gender Equality Action Plan to improve policies, plans, initiatives and organisational culture between 2023 and 2025.

Scientists in lab

Why gender equity?

Diversity – of thought, experience, and background – strengthens an organisation.

In STEMM disciplines, women are increasingly under-represented in academic career levels as seniority increases – a phenomenon known as the ‘leaky career pipeline’.

For example, while women make up around 50 per cent of Level A academics, only approximately 20 per cent of Level E professors are women – this is the case at UQ, in Australia, and in the higher education sector internationally.

Scientists in lab

 

Researcher and students on beach

An extensive body of academic and corporate literature clearly demonstrates that a holistic approach to increasing diversity directly correlates to improved organisational performance.

Academic and corporate research also shows that senior role models who represent the same gender and culture as students and junior staff are critically important to show that career aspirations to these levels are achievable.

Addressing under-represented groups to ensure that teams are balanced and representative of the wider community is therefore essential for organisational success.

Unfortunately, working towards more diverse teams is sometimes opposed by arguments that fixate on merit – in simple terms, that ‘the best person should get the job, regardless of their gender, background, or identity’.

Practitioner consulting with patient

While this is true, the issue is far more nuanced, influenced by a number of issues including unconscious bias, social and cultural factors, and performance relative to opportunity, to name just a few – and in fact, diversity and merit are not mutually exclusive, and are often linked.

For example, at UQ, although all decision-making processes are ultimately merit-based, in situations where certain groups are under-represented – such as women in STEMM disciplines – we recognise that we need to work harder as an organisation to improve diversity by encouraging more eligible people from underrepresented groups to apply for these roles so they can be considered in the first place.

We achieve this through a number of initiatives that are coordinated through the SAGE Athena SWAN Action Plan, including revisions of formal processes, mentoring and support programs, training and representation in marketing and messaging, and many more, so that members of these groups are eligible for consideration through the selection process in the first place.


Practitioner consulting with patient

As part of UQ’s Bronze Institutional Award accreditation, we must implement a 36-point gender action plan between 2019 and 2025.

Note: due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on University activity, SAGE has awarded all participating institutions a 24-month extension to implement their plans. 

A Gender Steering Committee (GSC) is overseeing this action plan implementation.

View the action plan

 

Actions that have been implemented or are ongoing

Actions that have been implemented or are ongoing

SC 1 – A new suite of Diversity and Inclusion policies and procedures.

SC 4 – Establish Gender Steering Committee

DC 4 – Implement staff entry and exit surveys

DC 5 – Longitudinal cohort analysis focusing on career trajectory, promotion progression and retention

NC 4 – Reduce UQ’s overall gender pay gap

WC 3 – Best-practice policy and procedure in support of diversity and inclusion outcomes

DS 1 – Improved support for gender diverse and transgender staff

DS 2 – Improved support for cultural inclusion

DS 4 – Upskill HR staff to provide advice and support across key areas of diversity focus

DS 5 – Ensure a gender and intersectional lens is applied to all work conducted by UQ diversity committees

 

Actions that are in progress

Actions that are in progress

SC 2 – KPIs for leaders

SC3 – Annual gender equity reporting

SC 5 – Athena SWAN Communications and Engagement Framework

DC 1 – Collection of gender diversity data for key career-cycle processes

DC 3 – Collect a broad range of staff diversity data

EA 1 – Implement proactive attraction, recruitment and selection policies, tools and programs

EA 2 – Revise UQ position description template to be more appealing to women

EA 3 – Enhance web presence as a progressive and inclusive employer for women

EA 4 – Improve UQ induction processes

IC 1 – Reduce bias within committee/panel decision-making processes

NC 1 – Interventions to improve women’s workplace experiences

NC 2 – Targeted interventions for to improve progression from Academic Level B–C

OC 1 – Measures to reduce the impact of career breaks on career trajectory

OC 2 – Improve access to flexible working arrangements

OC 3 – Improve support for staff with caring responsibilities

WC 1 – Refresh performance appraisal processes for academic staff

WC 2 – Staff training and development framework linked to key leadership skills at each level of the organisation

WC 4 – Recognition of women’s service contributions

DS 3 – Further research regarding the experiences of staff with disability

DS 6 – Enhance career outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in STEMM

 

Actions that have not started

Actions that have not started

DC 2 – Enable gender tracking in internal grant, research proposal and publication processes

IC 2 – Improve women’s representation on senior committees

NC 4 – Improve promotion processes to enhance equity outcomes

NC 5 – Identify and mitigate gender inequities associated with internal grant, research proposal and publication processes

NC 6 – Targeted measures to support women’s access to funding

OC 4 – A framework for application of Performance Relative to Opportunity (PRO)

UQ’s Gender Steering Committee was formed to implement our SAGE Athena SWAN Action Plan as we progress towards Silver accreditation.

The GSC champions strategic and transparent governance, accountability, planning and a reporting framework for gender equity, which reflects UQ’s commitment to broader diversity and inclusion.

The GSC comprises representatives from across UQ, including staff (academic and professional) and students, who bring diverse experience from different roles, career stages, work arrangements, and personal backgrounds.

The GSC aims to reflect the diversity of our UQ community, and represents a gender balance of 43%.

UQ staff and students can access the following information:

GSC Terms of Reference (PDF, 189.6 KB) GSC definition of STEMM

At UQ, the SAGE Athena SWAN charter is just one of the ways we are committed to improving gender equity.

 

For staff

For staff

In the workplace, the following frameworks, plans and policies guide our progress:

 For our staff, initiatives to improve gender equity include:

  • increasing the proportion of women in senior positions
  • increasing support of career progression of women in research
  • providing equal remuneration for women and men for work of equal or comparable value
  • removing barriers that prevent women from participating equally in the workplace
  • providing more access to resources for women to achieve leadership roles
  • eliminating assumptions of caring responsibilities of men and women
  • changing workplace culture to embrace gender equality as a normative practice
  • assisting in making transition from parental leave to return to work as smooth as possible.
 

Other initiatives

Other initiatives

We also recognise the importance of inspiring students from diverse backgrounds and genders to study in disciplines they may be under-represented in, as they will be our future researchers, leaders and thinkers.  

A number of research and resources are available to inform the development of evidence-based diversity and inclusion initiatives in your organisational unit.

 

SAGE and Athena SWAN resources

SAGE and Athena SWAN resources

 

Women in STEM decadal plan

Women in STEM decadal plan

 

Academic career path

Academic career path

 

Performance relative to opportunity

Performance relative to opportunity

 

Business case for gender equity and leadership

Business case for gender equity and leadership

 

Gender pay equity

Gender pay equity

  • The Gender Pay Gap – WGEA
    The Workplace Gender Equality Agency analyses and contextualises the gender pay gap in Australia.
  • The gender pay gap calculator – WGEA
    The Workplace Gender Equality Agency provides this tool to identify and analyse the causes of the various types of organisational gender pay gaps.
  • "Tracking pay equity: The impact of regulatory change on the dissemination and sustainability of equal remuneration decisions"
    This paper provides valuable insights into the impact of regulatory change in addressing gender pay equity.
  • The UQ pay equity guide  (PDF, 662.5 KB)
    Equal pay for equal work. A phrase we have all heard, and a phrase, despite the best intentions of many, that has been consistently overlooked by institutions, leaders and managers, and employees themselves.

    We understand that pay inequity is a complex ground, and that’s why we have created this guide. To help explain to the UQ community about the gender pay gap, its causes and the benefits we will receive if we work towards achieving gender pay equity in our work areas, and academia as a whole.

    For leaders and managers: this guide provides actionable suggestions to ensure you are an inclusive leader and help employees that seek to achieve gender pay equity. Key steps include: liaising with your Human Resources team to begin the process, devising an internal strategy to tackle pay inequity through the help of a pay audit, and annual performance and pay reviews. Another key consideration in today’s world is the impact, challenges and opportunities that flexible work provides for reinforcing pay equity and challenging gendered stereotypes at the same time.

    For UQ staff: this guide outlines key steps you can take to begin exploring opportunities where they present themselves to have a positive impact on pay equity. While this needs to be enabled by institutions, it is never too early for you to begin informing yourself about this journey.

  • UQ negotiation guide (PDF, 159 KB)
    We all know the role of negotiation skills. Whether it’s to make a sales pitch or apply for a research grant – good negotiation skills play a crucial role. They play an even more crucial role in one’s own career development.

    Research demonstrates that gender impacts negotiation styles, outcomes and even women’s desire to engage in negotiations for personal gains.

    This guide has been created by the Gender Steering Committee under the auspices of the UQ SAGE Athena SWAN program.

    For leaders and managers: it highlights the role you play to enable an equitable workplace. It does this by providing action items which foster an environment that abandons gendered expectations and stereotypes, and puts the focus on an employee’s growth and performance.

    For UQ staff: it provides tangible opportunities, especially for women, to start their negotiation journey for their own career progression and remuneration outcomes. We know it is not an easy journey, burdened with so many social gendered biases, but this guide is a great place to start!

 

Quotas and targets

Quotas and targets

 

Parental leave

Parental leave

 

Intersectionality

Intersectionality

 

Unconscious Bias

Unconscious Bias

The Merle Pledge

Many high-profile conferences, events, task forces and media outlets lack gender balance, despite there often being no shortage of qualified women to contribute.

To help address this, the Panel Pledge initiative encourages academics and professionals to commit to requesting gender equity as a condition of participation on any panel or conference.

The concept was originally developed through a partnership between Women’s Leadership Institute Australia, Male Champions of Change and Chief Executive Women.

At UQ, we have tailored this to create an initiative known as The Merle Pledge.

The Merle Pledge is an effort to substantially improve women’s representation in public and professional forums.

We encourage academics and professional staff from all backgrounds and genders to take the pledge, and join the worldwide movement to advance gender equity in academia and other occupations.

“We need to make all-male panels, or ‘manels’, a thing of the past. By limiting the range of perspectives to that of only half the population, we’re limiting the quality of the conversation.”

Professor Renae Ryan, Academic Director of SAGE (Science in Australia Gender Equity).

The Merle Pledge

 

I commit to:

I commit to:

  • increasing the visibility and contribution of women in public and professional forums
  • advocating for gender balance and diversity in all professional events, panels and conferences
  • encouraging my colleagues and friends to participate in the Merle Pledge
  • questioning and raising the issue of gender balance and diversity when the opportunity arises
  • actively encouraging and supporting the voices of women
  • honouring the Merle Pledge whenever I am invited to speak
  • standing up for what is right
  • persevering and not accepting excuses for unequal representation.
 

When attending or organising panel sessions and conferences, I will:

When attending or organising panel sessions and conferences, I will:

  • Make it known to my colleagues that I stand for gender equality and that I will only support, attend and organise events where a gender diverse panel or line-up of speakers is offered (or all reasonable attempts have been made).
  • Request information about other panellists, speakers, and participants in advance, and ask explicitly how gender balance will be achieved.
  • Insist, as a condition of acceptance, that women be encouraged to participate and contribute in a meaningful way.
  • Offer names of women from within UQ or my network, or direct the organisers to resources that can assist them in finding women to participate.
  • Question the composition of panellists and speakers, and reserve my right to withdraw from events, even at the last minute, if gender balance and diversity is not achieved.
Take the pledge – UQ staff  Take the pledge – non-UQ  
After you have registered, names of UQ staff will be added to the list below. All pledgers will be sent a confirmation email containing resources to help you promote the Merle Pledge and champion gender equity as a pledge participant.
 

Merle Thornton AM

 

A legend lends her name – Merle Thornton’s legacy

The Merle Pledge is named after Merle Thornton AM – one of Brisbane’s most legendary feminist activists and authors, and who is also a UQ alumnus, former staff member, and honorary doctorate recipient.

In 1965, Merle was a mother of two, in her thirties, and teaching Philosophy at The University of Queensland. She and her friend, Rosalie Bogner, decided to speak out for women’s rights in Queensland by protesting an almost inconceivable double standard by modern standards – at the time, women were not allowed by law to be customers at a public bar in Queensland.

On 31 March 1965, Merle and Rosalie strode into Brisbane's Regatta Hotel and chained themselves to the foot rail. Despite police trying to remove them from the premises, the women refused. The protest made headlines, sparked public debate, and resulted in death threats and accusations of neglecting their children. Their phones were tapped for years, and for a while, they had unmarked police cars stationed at the front of their homes to keep watch.

The protest is considered a pivotal moment in Australian women’s liberation movement, garnering national attention and bringing forward a change in Queensland laws (section 59A of the Liquor Act was repealed to allow women to freely drink in public bars). The bar at the Regatta was eventually renamed ‘Merle’s Bar’ to honour her courage and contribution to women’s rights.

Newspaper clipping from 1965 reporting on Merle and Rosalie chaining themselves to the foot rail of Brisbane's Regatta Hotel  

Since then, Merle has led many initiatives to further women’s rights in Australia, including forming the Equal Opportunities for Women Association, and leading a successful campaign to eliminate the ‘marriage bar’ law, which had excluded married women from career public service in Australia. She also helped establish the first Women's Studies course at UQ, wrote an inspiring memoir, Bringing the Fight, and has been a pivotal figure in securing national attention for women’s rights in Australia.

UQ is proud that the following members of staff have committed to advance gender equality by taking the Merle Pledge

 

UQ Executive and senior leaders

UQ Executive and senior leaders

  • Professor Deborah Terry AC – Vice-Chancellor and President
    I am proud to take the Merle pledge because I believe shifting this ubiquitous imbalance is not just the right thing to do from a values perspective, but also a strategic one. It’s clear that having gender equity on boards and on major committees leads to better organisational outcomes and decision making. There are innumerable positives that come from having cohorts of leaders that represent the population, and the population, as we know, is diverse.​
  • Professor Aidan Byrne – Provost
    Merle has shown us that clear-eyed decision-making, combined with fearless a determination to remove barriers preventing equality, can create lasting change. I am proud to take the Merle Pledge in her honour and with it the commitment to breaking down the invisible barriers to gender equality, because I know that society is safer, healthier and happier when genders have equal access to power, resources and opportunities.
  • Professor Joanne Wright – Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
    I took the Merle Pledge because it is the right thing to do.
  • Rongyu Li – Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement)
    I believe everyone benefits from gender equality, especially in public forums where women’s important contributions can be seen, heard, and inspire others to follow them. Women have contributed so much to society and are vital to our future, but are all too often not visible for many systematic and societal reasons. I intend to challenge and change that for the better.
  • Mr Greg Pringle – Chief Operating Officer, Office of the Chief Operating Officer
    It is important to stand for what is right. Respect, integrity and courage are worth the stand.
  • Professor Tim Dunne – Pro-Vice-Chancellor
    On UQ's signature block is the words 'create change'. Gender equality is fundamental to the change we want to create in the world.
  • Jennifer Karlson – Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Advancement)
    I and my colleagues globally have benefited from the leadership, advocacy and commitment of those before us and must remain committed to sustaining and building upon their efforts and progress. Further, Merle's connection to UQ and Queensland history makes this all the more personal and special. I look forward to honouring this pledge each day.​
  • Dr Jessica Gallagher – Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement and Entrepreneurship)
    Addressing current global challenges requires diversity of perspective and for all members of our community to share their knowledge and expertise, and have an opportunity to contribute.
  • Professor Bronwyn Fredericks – Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement)
    I would like all people to speak up for women who aren't well represented, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. I ask people not to just focus on broad generalised gender diversity strategies, which more often than not continue to marginalise and disadvantage Indigenous women. In Australia, the evidence demonstrates that when you work to lift up and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, you lift up other women in Australia too! I take the pledge to encourage others to ask the questions, where are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and what are we going to do about it? I also encourage you to also ask others to ask these questions. Individually and collectively we can make a difference! Thank you.
  • Professor Mark Blows – Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research)
  • Professor Joe Shapter – Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research Infrastructure)
    We must have a society where everyone has equal opportunities to succeed.
  • Professor Doune Macdonald – Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning)
    We have come a long way with gender equity but there is still work to do within and beyond UQ. Some of this work is highly visible and some not so much. All aspects of our lives are enriched through a diversity of voices.
  • Professor Alan Rowan – Director, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology
    I enthusiastically support the Merle Pledge because gender balance and diversity lie at the heart of a fair and equal society. As Director of the AIBN I am committed to creating an environment which empowers all, where gender and diversity are embraced and equity is at the heart of all we do.
  • Professor Pankaj Sah – Director, Queensland Brain Institute
  • Professor Neville Plint – Director, Sustainable Minerals Institute
    I took the Merle Pledge because I stand for equality, inclusion and diversity.
  • Professor Andrew Griffiths – Executive Dean, Faculty of Business, Economics and Law
    I support the Merle pledge. For a healthy society and community it's important to hear, acknowledge and reflect the diversity of our society.
  • Professor Vicki Chen – Executive Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture, and IT
    As a senior university leader and potential female role model for students and staff, it is important for me to use my influence to expand the opportunities for them.​
  • Professor Bruce Abernethy – Executive Dean, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences
  • Professor Heather Zwicker – Executive Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
    I took the Merle Pledge because diversity is our strength: we have better discussions, and make better decisions, when we bring that diversity to all our academic, professional (and ideally, personal) endeavours.
  • Professor Geoff McColl – Executive Dean, Faculty of Medicine
    I am committed to enacting the Merle Pledge in all that I do. It aligns to my personal values and to a clear, evidence-based approach to improving the world in which we live.
  • Professor Melissa Brown – Executive Dean, Faculty of Science
    I took the Merle Pledge because gender equity is essential to achieving a positive workplace culture at UQ, and in turn to our success. This will only be achieved if we demonstrate equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do, and ensure that diversity and role models are normal and visible in all of our activities.
  • Andrew Flannery – Chief Financial Officer, Finance
    Actions speak louder than words. Taking the Merle Pledge is a simple but effective action to ensure ongoing gender diversity in professional life.
  • Dr Al Jury – Chief Human Resources Officer
    On my return to Australia, after ten years of working in Scandinavia, I was genuinely surprised by the lack of targeted measures to support gender equity within the Australian context. I view the Merle Pledge as an important strategic initiative for the University of Queensland and Australia generally, and am very pleased to make this public declaration of my personal and professional commitment to a creating a more equitable society.
  • Rob Moffatt – Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Services
    Support for gender equality is a fundamental responsibility of us all.
  • Jim Carmichael – Director, Health, Safety and Wellness
    It is 2020... appreciation for gender balance and diversity should be a non-negotiable by now!
  • Kelly Robinson – Chief Marketing and Communication Officer
    Women and men both bring such important and different perspectives, experiences, and influences to public and professional forums. Balanced representation not only inspires future leaders to follow in the footsteps of people like them; it also makes these kinds of events so much more interesting and thought-provoking for everyone attending. I am happy to commit to the Merle Pledge and support its mission to work towards gender equity. 
     
 

UQ staff

UQ staff

  • Sasha Ackfun – Marketing and Communications Assistant, Marketing and Communication
  • Sophie Ader – Engagement Coordinator, Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture & Food Innovation
    I know what it's like to be discriminated against on the basis of my sex and position. When I started in public sector 20 years ago, my male manager introduced me to another male as a 'nice office ornament'. Perhaps driven by anger and defiance, I surpassed my boss to become the section director, but I still see sexist remarks made all the time to and about women, overtly and covertly hammering at their self worth and esteem. This Pledge is incredibly important to all of us. The world needs both men and women equally participating and contributing, for the good of us all.
  • Olivia Adlard – Engagement Officer, Global Engagement Entrepreneurship
    Representation and diversity is so important
  • Brianna Ah Mau – HR Business Partner, Human Resources, Faculty of Science
  • Sanam Ahmadzada – Adjunct Fellow, PhD candidate, School of Public Health
  • Professor Jonathan Aitchison – Professor and Head of School, School of the Environment
  • Xenia Aitken-Smith – Business Development Coordinator, ISSR
    I would like to contribute to a national movement to improve gender equity in public and professional forums.
  • Olufemi Akinsanmi – Associate Professor, QAAFI
    I support gender equality.
  • Dr Lisa Akison – Research Fellow, Child Health Research Centre
    The visibility of women in professional forums is key to encouraging young women to follow their ambitions and normalises gender diversity.
  • Aileen Alexander – Service Improvement Manager, Student Services
    I am taking the Merle Pledge as women have had to fight for equality for such a long time, and in some countries today a woman still does not have a political voice. It is inconceivable that as recently as 1929 Emily Murphy applied for a position in the Canadian Senate, she was refused because women were not considered "persons" under section 24 of the British North American Act 1867! Do we have to wait for another century before we can finally say all women are equal?
  • Megan Alexander – Executive Assistant, Queensland Brain Institute
    I support gender equality.
  • Suhailah Ali – PhD student, School of Public Health
    I'm tired of all-male, predominantly white panels and I want to see increased representation of women and people of colour!
  • Sara Alidoust – Lecturer, School of Architecture, Design and Planning
  • Michelle Allan – Head of College and Chief Executive - Duchesne College, Student Services
    Upholding the Merle Pledge will take us one step closer to gender equity which will lead to true equality, which is the hallmark of a diverse, inclusive community. I am committed to walking this path with you all.
  • Jodee Allanson – Organisational Development Consultant and Supervising Psychologist, Human Resources Division and School of Psychology
    I am committed to women's equality and in particular, gender balance and diversity at all professional forums and events.
  • Associate Professor Rachel Allavena – Deputy Head of School, School of Veterinary Science
    Even as a now female dominated profession, women have been underrepresented in leadership positions in veterinary sciences. This is still the case particularly for women with carer's responsibilities. I am taking the pledge to ensure all the talent and voices are included in leadership conversations.
  • Fatimah Almathami – Research Scholar, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
    As female who completed a Bachelor, Master and GradDip in Tech who in each degree attended lectures that full of male students, I need to support female to enrol in these field for their benefit and STEM fields privilege. I tutored IS/IT for 2 years and my classes were full of male students. This why we need more women presentation to diversify our STEMM fields and borden the innovative ideas/thoughts.
  • Jill Amber – HR Business Partner, Human Resources
  • Johannes Ambrose – Manager, Service Improvement and Reporting, Information Technology Services
    It is logical and long overdue.
  • Nasim Amiralian – UQ Amplify Fellow, AIBN
    It is important to have gender equity at different levels to have a happier, healthier and more productive society, with full human potential and sustainable development. I have been a strong advocate for supporting women, specially younger scientist and students to achieve their goals and make their dreams come true.
  • Monika Andersen – Diversity Employment and Events Coordinator, Workplace Diversity and Inclusion
    I want to support a more equitable, diverse and inclusive community.
  • India Anderson – Research Assistant, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
    We are all responsible for standing up for what's right.
  • Laura Anderson – Manager, International Agreements, Global Engagement and Entrepreneurship
    I took the Merle Pledge because supporting important initiatives like this, I can only hope, will positively influence future workplaces for my two young daughters, providing them with equal rights and opportunities that they, and everyone deserves.
  • Victor Anggono – Senior Research Fellow, Queensland Brain Institute
  • Dr Lauren Aoude – Research Fellow, Diamantina Institute
    We should all actively encourage and support the voices of women in academia.
  • Dr Aurelia Armstrong – Lecturer in Philosophy and Philosophy Convenor, School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry
    I am taking the Merle Pledge because removing the barriers to women's equal participation in public and professional life benefits us all. When diverse voices and perspectives enter into a real dialogue we create a world that is not only fairer, but also richer, more tolerant and more ethically responsive to others. This is the world I want to contribute to creating by putting the Merle pledge into action.
  • Professor Peta Ashworth OAM – Director, Andrew N Liveris Academy for Innovation and Leadership
    I believe it is the right thing to do. We need gender equality to encourage diversity of thought, creativity and to build a more cohesive society. With two daughters I hope that I can help pave the way to enable them to participate equally across all parts of their lives.
  • Ms Nicole Atcheson – Research Radiographer, Centre for Advanced Imaging
    I believe in equality for all. The visibility and contributions of all need to be recognised to ensure a flourishing research environment. There is a need to raise each other up, not to fight for that one seat at the table.
  • Lara Atzeni – School Manager, School of Mathematics and Physics
  • Mr Anthony Austin – Associate Lecturer, BEL
    Because it's a fair thing – that's why.
  • Simone Austin​ – Governance Coordinator, Medicine Faculty
  • Dr Sally Babidge – Senior Lecturer, School of Social Science
    For too long I/we have turned away from concerted action that would address the perpetuation of gender inequalities. I pledge in solidarity with the feminists whose struggles have won a better professional life for women like me and in recognition of the need to continue to advocate for gender equality.
  • Julie Baglot – Engagement Manager, Science
    Diversity of opinion, experience and skills is essential to generate new ideas and to create unique solutions for challenges. The world is a better place when we have diversity.
  • Tom Bailey – Research Fellow, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences
  • Rinie Bajracharya – PhD Student, Queensland Brain Institute
    There exists a large underrepresentation of women in the STEMM field. I want a world where gender equality and equal opportunities are normalised within our society. As a woman in STEMM, I pledge to assist in ensuring that these basic rights become a reality.
  • Miriam Baker – Advisor, HR Client Partnering, Human Resources
    As a HR Advisor in client partnering, and having worked in the technology industry before, I fully support the pledge to see a balance of representation in STEM. I support any initiatives that work to create cultures and environments that actively attract more women to the STEM fields.
  • Dr Matilde Balbi – Assistant Professor, Queensland Brain Institute
  • Professor Tom Baldock– Professor, School of Civil Engineering
    I took the Merle Pledge because the evidence shows equity leads to better outcomes for society.
  • Julie Ball – Coordinator Accreditation and Quality, Faculty of Medicine
    Equality, diversity and inclusion is everyone's business.
  • Taylor Bamin – Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Consultant, Human Resources
    It is important to encourage and demonstrate equity so that it becomes the norm for future generations.
  • Anne Bannister – Senior Director and Head of Social and Behavioural Sciences, UniQuest
    "You can't be what you can't see". Research has shown time and again that the more female managers a company has, the more profitable it is. Economy and society have every interest in tapping all the talent in their midst.
  • Lauren Barker – Employer Liaison Coordinator, Student Employability Centre
  • I am passionate about women in leadership and increasing the awareness and contribution of women in public and professional forums.
  • Marc Barnbaum – Communications Coordinator, ATSI Studies Unit
    When certain world leaders are letting down the team, it's up to individuals to stand up and be counted.
  • Dr Jenny Davis Barnett – Academic, School of Languages and Cultures
    It's overdue.
  • Nicole Barton – Athena SWAN Program Lead, Workplace Diversity and Inclusion
    I am taking the Merle Pledge because together we are stronger. All forums need to have a range of diverse speakers to bring out the best ideas and capitalise on the synergy derived from many minds working together and sharing knowledge. That is how you Create Change.
  • Professor Kaye Basford AM – Professor, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences
  • Professor Janeen Baxter – Professor and Director, Institute for Social Science Research
    Gender inequality hurts everyone, not just women. I want to work toward a more equal society that supports everyone, including future generations.
  • Dr Peter Baxter – Senior Research Fellow, School of Biological Sciences
  • Dr Emma Beckman – Senior Lecturer, Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences
    It takes all of us, to commit to do better- be better.
  • Dr Carol Bell – School Manager, School of Economics
  • Antonio Andres Bellofatto – Lecturer, School of Economics
  • Belinda Benes – Project Manager, ITaLI
  • Professor Christine Beveridge – Director, ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture
    This pledge is an action to provide a safe, fair and rewarding environment to enable innovation, personal fulfilment and to heighten enjoyment and belonging. It is the right thing to do.
  • Dr Bronwyn Battersby – Business Manager, Sustainable Minerals Institute
    I stand for gender equality for our generation and the generations that follow.
  • Dr Claudia Benham – Lecturer, School of the Environment
  • Caitlin Bennett – Diversity and Inclusion Consultant, Workplace Diversity and Inclusion
    I will be taking the Merle pledge to show my support in increasing women's representation and supporting the Diversity and Inclusion within UQ - specifically in the Gender space!
  • Belinda Bern – Director, Graduate School
    It is beyond equity - diversity of participation and thought makes organisations and societies stronger and more able to prepare for the future.
  • Paul Bernhardt – Professor, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences
    There needs to be a new normal that future generations will be able to take for granted as part of their professional lives. We need to get there faster and this is a positive way to achieve that.
  • Pat Blackhall – Principal Research Fellow, QAAFI
    Gender balance and diversity are critical to maximising the achievements and benefits that research can provide to our society.
  • Marc Blum – Security Architect, ITS
    Diverse representation is essential for good leadership and decision-making.
  • Antje Blumenthal – Associate Professor, Diamantina Institute
  • Professor Phil Bodman – Deputy Executive Dean, Faculty of Business, Economics and Law
    This helps to convey to others my personal ongoing commitment to gender diversity and my advocacy for gender balance. It provides a clear indication to others that they should consider committing to similar beliefs and actions.
  • Gry Boe-Hansen – Senior Lecturer, School of Veterinary Science
    The gender gap is real and we need to be aware of bias in all our actions and commitments.
  • Dr Vanessa Bonazzi – Research Fellow, UQ Diamantina Institute
    I am a woman and I believe gender equality is essential to ensure equal opportunity for all of us in a balanced society.
  • Sylvia Bonny – Admission Coordinator, Business School
    Equity, diversity and inclusion is important. Everyone should have the same opportunities and rights regardless of gender.
  • Jodie Booth – Clinical Education Liaison Manager, SHRS
    I want to be part of the change that enables women and girls to not only have the chance to have their voices heard, but to be the voices that lead our community forward into a better tomorrow.
  • Helen Bostock – Associate Professor, School of the Environment
    Diversity in science and research is critical to providing the best and most creative solutions to global issues.
  • Ms Rosalind Boulton – Alumni & Community Engagement Manager, Faculty of Science
    We can achieve equality only by working at it.
  • Lauren Bourke – HR Advisor, Central HR
    Gender equality is a human right, it benefits everyone, it benefits our economy and society. It's time make a serious change!
  • Dr Mark Bowles – Centre Manager, Child Health Research Centre
    I believe in equality for all people and am delighted to continue to drive our organisation to this end.
  • Bill Boyd-Law – Associate Director Project Delivery, University of Queensland Property and Facilities
    The construction industry has traditionally been male dominated and a stronger gender balance with more women in the industry creates a more diverse, professional and productive environment and outcomes.
  • Dr Claire Bradley – Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Queensland Brain Institute
  • Professor Sandy Brauer – Head of School, School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences
    I am proud to take the Merle pledge as I believe that diverse representation is needed to build inclusiveness, forge empowerment, enable visibility, facilitate understanding and make informed decisions which will help us to create sustainable changes in the world.
  • Timothy Bredy – Associate Professor, Queensland Brain Institute
    This is for my nine-year-old daughter who dreams of veterinary and marine science and for my wife who has just entered graduate school.
  • Dr Melissa Brinums – Research Administration Officer, Office of Sponsored Research
  • Dr Bena Brown – Senior Research Fellow, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine
    I believe equity and diversity encourage innovation and big ideas. I dream of a world that my sons will inherit where inclusion, equality and celebration of difference is the rule, not the exception.
  • Teagan Brown – Recruitment Advisor, Recruitment Services
  • Professor Michael Bruenig – Dean and Head of School, UQ Business School
    I am taking the Merle Pledge because it aligns with my personal values and because I believe in the power of diversity.
  • Weston Bruner – Director of Advancement, Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
    Gender inequity is real, it's pervasive, it's harmful, it distorts our worldviews and it limits our success.
  • Lucy Bryce – Executive Coordinator, Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
    I believe in equity and the support for continued representation of woman.
  • Dr Michael Bulmer – Senior Lecturer, School of Mathematics and Physics
  • Professor Tracey Bunda – Professor, Indigenous Studies, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit
    I am committed to raising the profile of women, particularly Indigenous women.
  • Dr Richard Buning – Lecturer, Business School
  • Professor Philip Burgess – Professor, The University of Queensland
    We need to address gender-inequality in the academic sector.
  • Professor Robin Burgess-Limerick – Professor, Sustainable Minerals Institute
  • Andrew Burton-Jones – Professor of Business Information Systems, UQ Business School
  • Sharon Butler – Staff Development Officer, Human Resources, Organisational & Leadership Development
    I recall women's inequality as a young female, I didn't understand it then. I don't want my grandchildren to have to face the same inequality I faced when I was young. We aren't quite equal in all areas of life yet but should be, there is a need to fight for equality for all women of all ages.
  • Dr Nathalie Butt​ – Lecturer, School of the Environment
  • Professor Laurie Buys – Director, UQ Healthy Ageing Initiative
  • Liam Caffery – Associate Professor, Centre for Online Health, CHSR, FoM
  • John Cairney – Head of School and Professor, Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences
    I took the pledge to keep the chain reaction going. We can and must do better. The pledge is a commitment to action.
  • Professor Victor Callan – Professor, UQ Business School
    As a researcher I have interviewed many business leaders to hear that, while they are committed to increasing gender equality, they do struggle with how. Also as a father of two daughters I see how their organisations need to try harder. The pledge is another small step that will help.​
  • David Capper – Investigations Manager, Integrity and Investigations Unit
    The Merle Pledge represents a concept that must be a fundamental part of society
  • Professor Stuart Carney – Medical Dean and Deputy Executive Dean, Faculty of Medicine
  • Amelia Carr – Student, School of Dentistry
  • Professor Annemaree Carroll – Associate Dean Research, Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
    The Merle Pledge is a strong commitment and endorsement to supporting the visibility and contribution of women and actively addresses the importance of gender equity and equality for future generations of women. I have been privileged to work with outstanding female academics throughout my career at UQ and want this to continue and strengthen further with recognition of their incredible contributions to campus life and leadership.
  • Amelie Casgrain – Development Manager (Advancement), HaBS
  • Professor Megan Cassidy-Welch – McCaughey Chair in History and Head of School, School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry
    I am committed to gender equity in the workplace and beyond.
  • Amy Chambers – HR Advisor, Human Resources
    I stand for gender equality.
  • Suresh Chand – Director Governance and Risk, COO Portfolio
    Our success and survival depends on diversity and equal representation.
  • Professor Scott Chapman – Professor, The University of Queensland
    Like most men of my age, women have taught me and my children from early childhood through to high school. And then through University and my research career in agriculture, there were noticeably fewer women in researcher and senior roles. This is improving, slowly and I pledge to actively support women in science.
  • Sue Chapple – Senior Manager Academic Projects, Office of the DVCA
    I am committed to raising awareness of the need to increase the visibility of the positive contribution women make to our organisations.
  • Divya Chopra – Researcher, UQ Dentistry
  • Prasad Chunduri – Senior Lecturer, School of Biomedical Sciences
    I consider it very important. My daughter should not feel that there is a profession out there that she can't pursue because it is male-dominated. Equal opportunity to everyone should be the way!!
  • Dr Hsin-Fang Chung – Research Fellow, School of Public Health
  • Dr Silvia Ciocchetta – Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Veterinary Science, School of Public Health
    I believe that making diversity, equity, and inclusion a priority is everyone's responsibility. In signing this Pledge, I commit to promoting an equitable representation of women and support their role in Academia and outside of it.
  • Alexander Civil – Tutor, School of Maths and Physics
    We won’t ever achieve our potential if half of our brightest brains are discriminated against by not being given the same opportunity.
  • Professor Paul Clarke – Director, UQ Diamantina Institute
    I believe strongly in gender equality and there should be no barriers for women to succeed in science, medicine and other careers. By advocating for the equal representation of women in public and professional forums we can help achieve this.
  • Anne Cleary – Research Fellow, Institute for Social Science Research
    It is important to have the female voice represented and respected at all levels in STEMM, particularly women of colour, women from Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander communities and women from other diverse backgrounds such as the LGBTIQA+ community.
  • Associate Professor Jack Clegg – Associate Professor, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences
  • Professor Vicki Clifton – Professorial Fellow Mater Research, Mater Research Institute – UQ
    I have spent many years experiencing gender inequality in all scientific activities and it is my responsibility as a Professor to drive the change in my field.
  • Jodi Clyde-Smith – Director, Sponsored Research, UQ R&I
  • Lucinda Coalter – Facilities Officer, Faculty of Medicine
    To continue the good works of Merle Thornton AM and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The baton has been passed, and women of today must continue to champion gender equity to ensure humanity hears our voices.
  • Vanessa Cobham – Associate Professor, Psychology, HABS
    We each need to stand up for what we believe is right. In too many different ways and for far too long, women's voices have been talked over, shouted down or ignored. Women need to be allies for each other.
  • Dr Bernadette Cochrane – Lecturer in Drama, School of Communication and Arts
    It's 2020, and its the right thing to do.
  • Dr Lavinia Codd – Advancement Manager, Queensland Brain Institute
    Gender equality is the only acceptable future.
  • Stephen Coombs – School Manager, School of Chemical Engineering
  • Kylie Cooper – Senior Manager (Entrepreneurship), GEE
    This is a tangible way to contribute to greater equality that is important for families and our society.
  • Professor Mark Cooper – Professor, QAAFI
    Enduring commitment to developing a diverse community of next generation problem solvers to tackle the world's "super wicked" problems from all perspectives.
  • Professor Justin J. Cooper-White​ – Head of School and Professor, The University of Queensland
    I have been an advocate for gender equity (and equity more broadly) at national and international conferences since being involved in supporting and organising them (for over 20 years). Being geographically situated in the Asia–Pacific region, I have come to experience that this remains a significant struggle, due to embedded cultural and social norms that continue to promote men above women. I am committed to continually challenging these norms and where I can effect influence and change, I will.
  • Laura Corcoran – Administration Coordinator, Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research
  • Marisa Cordella – Associate Professor, HASS, School of Languages and Cultures
    The pledge aligns with my values on gender balance and diversity in the workplace.
  • Joel Corney – Senior Lecturer, School of Mathematics and Physics
  • Professor Elizabeth Coulson – Head of School, Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine
  • Dr Anne Covill – Operations Manager, Science Faculty, School of Veterinary Science
    As a member of Vet School Equity and Diversity Committee and a UQ staff member with a significant HR role I am all too aware of issues surrounding women and equity at UQ and the broader community. I am passionate in regards to promoting gender equity and diversity.
  • Associate Professor Daniel Cozzolino – Associate Professor, QAAFI
    To acknowledge and commit to inclusion and diversity in the workplace.
  • Emma Crawford – Lecturer, SHRS
  • Dr Noni Creasey – NIF Engagement Manager, PVCRI
  • Dr Charlie Crimston – Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Psychology
  • Jeremy Crowley – Director , Corporate Operations
  • Professor Stuart Crozier​ – Associate Dean (Research), EAIT
  • Kate Cupples​ – Engagement Team Leader, Business School
    Managing our calendar of 100+ events per year I am committed to always offering a balanced and diverse selection of speakers and panels. I am a passionate female leader and want to set an example for my younger colleagues.
  • Josh Curson – Animal Technical Officer, QBI
    A great initiative!
  • Dr Caitlin Curtis – Research Fellow, School of Business
  • Hon Assoc Prof Gloria Dall'Alba – Honorary Associate Professor, School of Education
    With a broader range of perspectives, our decisions and actions are better informed and more just.
  • Tori Darnell – Deputy Director, Advancement, Faculty of Medicine
    Women have much to contribute, and everyone deserves to be heard.
  • Matthew Davis – Professor, School of Mathematics and Physics
    I stand for gender equality.
  • Tamara Davis – Professor, School of Mathematics and Physics
    Issues get resolved much more effectively when people are aware of them.
  • Marie de Groot – Manager Records Governance & Management, Records Management and Advisory Services
    I am proud, humbled and excited to work at UQ and in my field, where leadership thought and programs are premised around gender balance and diversity, which ALL and TOGETHER contribute to the true essence of humankinds’ knowledge and skills and which continue to evolve and grow worldly wisdom and actions.
  • Lynette Dawson​ – Project Manager, Strategic Program Office
    By speaking up and joining together we can enable change.
  • Ms Lisa Deacon​ – Coordinator, First Year Student Experience, EAIT Faculty
    I believe in improving the representation of underrepresented genders.
  • Amber Dean – Experience Design Specialist, Marketing, CX & Digital
  • Judith Dean​ – Senior Research Fellow, School of Public Health
    I take the Merle Pledge as I am committed to advocating for gender balance, inclusion and respect for diversity in all aspects of professional and personal life.
  • Professor Bernard Degnan – Director, Centre for Marine Science, School of Biological Sciences
  • Professor Sandie M Degnan – Professor, Director of Research Training, School of Biological Sciences
  • Marloes Nitert Dekker – Senior Lecturer, SCMB
    The only way to change unconscious bias is by raising awareness. Then we can make the changes that increase equity for everyone.
  • Dr Harriet Dempsey-Jones – Postdoctoral Research Fellow , School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences
    I am taking the pledge for my grandmother, Margaret Jones. She met huge resistance to her enrolment in UQ from her father, despite being exceptionally bright. I feel very lucky to have been able to follow in her footsteps to UQ and then on to postgraduate education at universities across the world with no barriers. I hope this pledge will help move towards a world where all women can be similarly lucky.
  • Dr Paul Dennis – Senior Lecturer, SEES
  • Jane Dermody – HR Advisor, Business, Economics and Law
  • Vanessa Di Giglio – General Services Assistant, School of Maths and Physics
    I want to see, encourage and support equality and diversity in all facets of my professional and personal life.
  • Bronwyn Diffey – Faculty Executive Manager, Faculty of Business, Economics and Law
    Gender equity and equal representative is the only way to ensure women have contribute equally to ideas, directions and critical analysis of and for society.
  • Dr Sandra Diminic – Adjunct Fellow, School of Public Health
    We need gender balanced and diverse leaders, scientists, speakers and role models at all levels to create vibrant and inclusive conversations that reflect the make up of our society.
  • Genevieve Dingle – Associate Professor, Psychology
    I prefer conference panels and decision making committees to include diverse opinions in all forms (gender, age, ethnicity, disciplines). They become more thoughtful and inclusive.
  • Ms Lisa Dingwall – EA to the Director, UQCCR
    I feel gender balance and visibility is important in all aspects of life. It is something I try and live by and hopefully through my work role have some input and influence.
  • Dr Chelsea Dobbins – Senior Lecturer, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
    I am taking the Merle Pledge because I believe that it is important that everyone is represented and treated equally, regardless of gender. I believe that a diverse community leads to better outcomes and a stronger society and that such barriers should be removed to promote inclusivity.
  • Annette Dobson – Professor of Biostatistics, School of Public Health
    I value equity.
  • Jessica Dobson – Marketing and Communications Officer, UQ Business School
  • Casey Dodds – Affiliate Professional Staff, MRI-UQ
    I believe in advocating for gender equity for young women in STEM.
  • Sara Dolnicar – Professor, Faculty of Business, Economics and Law
    ... it's a no-brainer. It's always worth listening to women. Their voices enrich conversations.
  • Alessandra Donato​ – Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Queensland Brain Institute
  • Ruth Donohoe – Technical assistant, School of Civil Engineering
  • Meg Donovan – PhD student, UQ Diamantina Institute, Faculty of Medicine
  • Rebecca Dorman – HR Relationship Manager (acting), Human Resources
    I am taking the Merle pledge to show my support and commitment to gender equality and representation. I strongly support diversity and inclusion in workplaces and within our communities - Respect.
  • Adjunct Associate Professor Dimity Dornan AO – Adjunct Associate Professor, UQ Senate and School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
    I believe in equity for all women and men.
  • Dr Heather Douglas – Industry Fellow, Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining, SMI
    Equity improves wellbeing for everyone
  • Daphne Drewes – Associate Director, Enterprise Risk Services, Governance & Risk
    Hearing the voices of just 50% of our population means we're missing the opportunity to enrich our conversations via women sharing their opinions, ideas and insights, to provide a more holistic view, to the benefit of us all.
  • Professor Michael Drinkwater – Associate Dean (Academic), Faculty of Science
  • Dr Christine Dudgeon – Research Fellow, School of Biomedical Sciences
    Achieving equity is the best way forward for supporting our health, our communities and the environment.
  • Donna Duke – HR Advisor, HASS
  • Jeffrey Dullaway – HR Relationship Manager, Human Resources
    Advocating for gender balance and diversity is an important issue for me personally.
  • Elizabeth Dun – UQ Amplify Lecturer, School of Biological Sciences
  • Ian Duncan – Associate Director, Outreach, Australian Research Data Commons, PVC-RI
    Gender equality is a human right. It prevents violence against women and girls, is essential for economic prosperity and societies that value women and men as equal are safer and healthier for everyone.
  • Dr Rebecca Dunlop​ – Senior Lecturer, School of Veterinary Science
    I have attended many non-gender-diverse conferences and professional events. By increasing awareness and encouraging all to take the pledge, diverse conferences and events will become the norm not the exception.
  • Daniel Dunn​ – Senior Lecturer, SEES
    My daughter should have the same opportunities my son will enjoy, and it is my responsibility to help create that future.
  • Chelse Dunne – HR Relationship Manager, HR Services / Faculty of HaBS Professional Services Team
  • Amalie Dyda – Senior Lecturer, School of Public Health
  • Renae Earle – HDR and sessional academic, Human Movement and Nutrition Science
  • Professor Elizabeth Eakin – Head of School, School of Public Health
  • Liz Eden – Communications and Events Officer, ITaLI and QAAFI
    I am in a position to support women in academia by sharing their success stories and opportunities for professional development.
  • Professor Di Eley – Director of MD Research, Office of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine
    It is heartening to see this initiative become such a significant part of UQ’s values, and a privilege to endorse, and become part of improving our attitudes and ways of understanding true equity and diversity.
  • Dr Elizabeth Edwards – Senior Lecturer, School of Education
    Equity makes our communities stronger.
  • Mr Fabby H Ernesta – Director, Property & Facilities Division
    I took the Merle Pledge because I strongly believe in and stand for equality, inclusion and diversity.
  • Dr Mark Ewen – Associate Director, Academic Services Division
  • Dr Adam Ewing – Honorary Senior Research Fellow, Mater Research Institute – UQ
  • Andrew Fairbairn – Professor, School of Social Science
    I am committed to gender equity and see too many cases where gender balance is not achieved and could be. The pledge reminds me that I can make a difference and signals to others my intent and belief in doing so.
  • Katie Farley – School Manager, Business School
    As a colleague, daughter, wife, and mother I am taking the Merle Pledge in honour of the women and men who have championed diversity for the betterment of society and to contribute to the progression of equality for all.
  • Associate Professor Lisa Featherstone – Associate Professor, School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry
  • Dr Jasmina Fejzić – Lecturer, Pharmacy
    Equality is great, and equity would be holy. I took the Merle Pledge because I am an ethnic women in academia and still very much full of hope.
  • Dr Laura Fenlon – Research Fellow, Queensland Brain Institute
    The research community and scientific progress is better with equity and diversity of scientists.
  • Emeritus Professor Carole Ferrier – Emeritus Professor, School of Communication and Arts
    I worked with Merle building the Women's Studies course, joint first in 1972 in Australia. This grew to a Major, cross-institutional Major, Honours. Merle was in the group founding Hecate: an Interdisciplinary Journal of Women's Liberation that I have edited for 45 years. She was a pioneer in many things.
  • Franziska Fichtner – Postdoc, School of Biological Sciences
    I am a woman in a science and think this pledge is important to highlight the necessity for more gender equality in science and beyond.
  • Melissa Figueroa – Acting HR Business Partner, BEL Human Resources
  • Carrie Finn​ – Learning Manager, Business School
  • Associate Professor Diana Fisher​ – Associate Professor, School of Biological Sciences
    Gender equity is crucial for science and science communication.
  • Lisa Fitzgerald – Associate Professor, School of Public Health
    I believe gender equity advances science, our university and society.
  • Melissa Fitzgerald – Professor and Deputy Associate Dean, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, and Faculty of Science
    I believe strongly in gender equity and I already do a lot to advance it.
  • Naomi Fitzpatrick – PhD Candidate, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences
    Undoing systemic oppression of females and all other marginalised groups is life long work, and something I feel very passionate about.
  • Dr Terrance Fitzsimmons – Senior Lecturer, UQ Business School
    If we are to see an equality of pay, of opportunity and of leadership in every part of Australian Society we must have an equality of voice to drive it.
  • Dr Marina Fortes – Senior Lecturer, SCMB, UQ – QAAFI affiliate
    I want to actively encourage gender diversity and inclusion in science.
  • Professor Kirsty Foster OAM – Director, Office of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine
    Throughout 40 years of working in medicine and medical education I have seen much progress towards gender equity for women - but there is still a way to go. The Merle Pledge is a way everyone can participate to meaningfully raise this issue and make a difference.
  • Professor Craig E Franklin – Deputy President of Academic Board & Professor in Biological Sciences, Office of Academic Board and School of Biological Sciences
    This pledge upholds, promotes and acknowledges key values that are of personal and professional significance to me. Equality and equity are paramount to ensuring an inclusive and diverse workplace, and communities more broadly. For me, promoting the core principles emboided in the Merle Pledge enriches my beliefs and values, and encourages me to communicate them.
  • Professor Ian Frazer AC – Professor, Faculty of Medicine
  • Associate Professor Chris Freeman – Associate Professor, School of Pharmacy
    It is simply the right thing to do and I would want my daughter to grow up in a world where activities like this pledge are no longer needed.
  • Flic French – Librarian, Library
  • Janet Frizzarin – UQ2U Program Manager, Institute for Teaching and Learning Innovation
    Because in the past few years great progress has been made towards gender equality by stalwarts like Merle Thornton AM and Ruth Bader Ginsburg but there is still work to be done. It is up to all of us to continue advocating for our rights and our voice.
  • Richard Fuller – Professor, School of Biological Sciences
  • Claire Fuller – Project Coordinator, Biological Sciences
  • Kate Gadenne – Research Development Manager, Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, School of Public Health
    As a working mother of two daughters, this pledge resonates deeply. Societies that value women and men as equal are safer, healthier and happier. That is the kind of society I hope my daughters will inherit.
  • Professor Victor Galea – Deputy Head of School, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences
    As a society, we have been working towards equality for a long time and we have further to go to truly achieve it.
  • Anthony Galliozzi – HR Business Partner, Faculty of EAIT
    I support everything the Merle Pledge is about.
  • Professor Cindy Gallois​ – Emeritus Professor, UQ Psychology
    We have come a long way, and now it is important to keep moving toward complete gender equity. It's great to honour Merle Thornton in this way.
  • Professor Brenda Gannon – Professor, School of Economics and affiliate of the Centre for the Business and Economics of Health
    In the discipline of economics, which has been predominately male focused in the past, at UQ we now strive to ensure more females enter the discipline at all levels for both students and staff. Being the first female Professor in the School of Economics (appointed 2018), I am pleased to lead the way forward for all female economists.
  • Dr Brooke Gardiner – Genomic Services Coordinator, Office of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research Infrastructure)
    Each woman who is able to stand and represent herself in the ways she chooses empowers another woman, indeed any person, to also step up and be heard. In time, I hope our voices will resound in harmony.
  • Madeleine Gardner – Research Officer, School of Public Health
  • Kriti Garg – Administrative Officer, Human Resources
    I stand on the sacrifices of a million women before me thinking 'what can I do to make this mountain taller so that the women after me can see farther'? (Rupi Kaur) Anything and everything that uplifts and gives women the equality we have deserved since so long, without asking for it.
  • Nicola Garrett – Education and Public Programs Officer, UQ Art Museum
    Diversity and inclusion are an important part of where we need to be as a society. This is only the first step on this ladder.
  • Dr Fleur Garton – Postdoctoral Fellow, Institute for Molecular Bioscience
    I believe in equity for all and am very happy to support initiatives that advocate for this to occur.
  • Katrina Geary – Training and Regulatory Compliance, UQ Biological Resources
    I believe in uplifting everyone in society to live their best life.
  • Professor Katharine Gelber – Head of School, School of Political Science and International Studies
  • Deanne 'Dee' Gibbon – Associate Director, Workplace Diversity and Inclusion, Human Resources
    Despite progress towards gender equity in some areas, many of the academic and non-academic conferences and panels remain heavily male-dominated; particularly in STEMM fields. The Merle Pledge enables UQ leaders and staff to take action within their own sphere of influence, to encourage improved representation by women and other underrepresented genders. I am extremely proud of UQ for creating this important initiative.
  • Prof Mike Gidley – Director, Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences, QAAFI
  • Rebecca de Gier – Nurse Manager, School of Veterinary Science
  • Alanah Giles – PhD Candidate, School of Human Movements and Nutrition Science
    Because I am a woman in research who believes in equality for all.
  • Mashhuda Glencross – Senior Lecturer, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
    The best and brightest is often code for the most visible speakers. In STEM, these remain primarily male, yet diversity of people, perspectives, and research brings wider views to the table at professional events. This stimulates innovative thinking. How can we create impact, when we aren’t invited to the table?
  • Melissa Glendenning – Deputy Director (Operations), Sustainable Minerals Institute
    We need to be active to ensure we make progress with gender balance and diversity representation in public and professional forums.
  • Katie Gollschewski – School Manager, School of Architecture, Design and Planning
  • Maria Natividad Gomez Cerezo – Postodoctoral Research Fellow, School of Dentistry
    Because the gender equality it is still a challenge that we have to address.
  • Cecilia González Tokman – Senior Lecturer, School of Mathematics and Physics
  • Candice Michelle Goodwin – Outreach Manager, CMM
    I am a woman in STEM having spent many years advocating for gender equality and inspiring young girls to be anything they want to be. I fully support UQ's initiative!
  • Aswathi Gopalakrishnan – HDR candidate, Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology
    A woman's voice is often left unheard in different walks of life. I feel I need to stand up for my rights and need not feel inferior to anyone. I feel a woman's aspirations should never be limited by her gender, colour, race or ethnicity.
  • Dr Caitlin Goss – Lecturer, University of Queensland
  • Peter Gough – Senior IT Officer, ITS
  • Morgan Goulding – Senior Marketing Officer, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences
    I am committed to advocating for gender balance to improve women's representation across the board.
  • Ben Graham – Project Officer, Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
  • Professor Lisbeth Grondahl – Professor, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences
  • Professor Joseph Grotowski – Head of School, School of Mathematics and Physics
    This is an important, practical contribution towards gender equality.
  • Alexandra Grutter – Honorary Senior Lecturer, School of Biological Sciences
  • Stéphane Guillou – Technology Trainer, Library
    This self-sustaining imbalance will not be solved without radical action, as the past has shown.
  • Dr Karan Gulati – NHMRC Early Career Fellow, School of Dentistry
    I believe in equality and I am aware that gender imbalance still exists in academia and research. We need to act on it NOW!
  • Dr Greg Hafner – Senior Manager – Infrastructure and Research Operations, Faculty of Medicine
    We all have a responsibility to equality.
  • Greg Hainge – Professor, School of Languages and Cultures
  • Dr Nina Hall – Senior Lecturer, School of Public Health
    I am a woman and a mother, and the privileges that allow me to also be a fulltime academic have been hard won by the sisters who came before me. I do not want these rights to be eroded- but instead enhanced.
  • Dr Sandra Hall – AWMC Manager, Advanced Water Management Centre
    I would like to express my firm and proactive commitment to supporting efforts for greater diversity and inclusion within our community. We celebrate and are enriched by the differences in all that we do and together are building a society that is underpinned by respect, inclusion and equality.
  • Zoe Hamilton – UQ Calling Crew, UQ Advancement
    Everyone should have equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of their gender.
  • Associate Professor Emma Hamilton-Williams – Associate Professor, UQ Diamantina Institute, Faculty of Medicine
    I am passionate about increasing gender equity in science.
  • Pingping Han – Post-Doc, School of Dentistry
    It is important to have gender equity across all the fields within UQ.
  • Dr Marlies Hankel – Senior Research Fellow / eResearch Analyst, AIBN
  • Julia Harris – HR Business Partner, Human Resources
    We have the opportunity to make change now so that future generations do not share the same challenges.
  • Meredith Harris – Associate Professor, School of Public Health
  • Tiffany Harris-Brown – Senior Clinical Research Manager, UQ Centre for Clinical Research
    My colleagues, my daughter, future working women and my own voice deserves to be heard and acknowledged.
  • Simon Hart – Lecturer, Biological Sciences
  • Nicole Hartley – Associate Professor and MBA Director, UQ Business School
    All voices must be heard and our shared experiences and perspectives enrich the communities we live in, the places we work, and the future we are constructing for those yet to come.
  • Catherine Haslam – Professor, Psychology, HABS
    Gender and wider equity and diversity is paramount in an egalitarian scoiety and yet is lacking at so many levels. I want to contrbute to raising awareness, challenging and changing our work culture to recognise the many significant contributions made by women.
  • Associate Professor Sumaira Z Hasnain – Associate Professor, MRI-UQ
    I believe that equity, diversity and inclusion are not only important for fairness but also integral to achieving a more creative, more diligent and more hard-working work environment. A more diverse workplace results in enhanced innovation which is professionally important to me. Personally, as a woman in STEM, a Muslim, with a Pakistani background and primary carer responsibility of two children under five years of age – it has been hard to find role models with the same background especially within the research community. Making the workplace more equitable is very important to me.
  • Emma Hassall – Research Technician, QAAFI
  • Dr April Hastwell – ARC DECRA Research Fellow, SAFS
    My effort will ensure that future women will not have to go the extra mile to be recognised.
  • Mika Hayward – Director, Health Partnerships and Major Projects, Faculty of Medicine
    The time has come to stand together to embed gender equality in every aspect of our lives
  • Sarah Henderson – Mentoring Project Coordinator, Student Experience
    We need to provide as many opportunities for young girls to see and celebrate the successes of talented women across all industries.
  • Karen Hendrickson – Senior Operations Manager, Research Strategy, Planning and Performance
    Gender balance and diversity are important.
  • Professor Paul Henman – Professor of Digital Sociology and Social Policy, School of Social Science
  • Cara Herington – Operations Manager, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI)
    The greater the diversity, the greater the strength (for any organisation, at all levels), and for me it's simply a matter of fair play and recognition.
  • Dr Sara Herke – Lecturer, School of Mathematics and Physics
    As a woman in mathematics, gender equity is important to me. I want to do what I can to drive change in this direction, not just for gender equity but for diversity and inclusion more broadly.
  • Liliana Hernandez – Human Resources Business Partner, HR - Central Pst
  • Dr Lorna Hernandez-Santin – Postdoctoral Research Fellow, CMLR, SMI
  • Professor Louise Hickson – Associate Dean External Engagement, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences
    Affirmative actions associated with the pledge will help to achieve gender equality.
  • Leanne Hides – Professor, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences
  • Emeritus Professor Marc Hockings – Emeritus Professor, School of the Environment
  • Dr Sarah Holcombe – Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining within the Sustainable Minerals Institute
    Because gender equity is one of the mechanisms for achieving a more just and sustainable environment and society.
  • Lizanne Holt – HR Business Partner, Human Resources
    I am taking the Merle Pledge because I believe in giving value to every human being, no matter our differences. I stand for gender equality, inclusion and diversity.
  • Tamara A Homburg – Project Officer, Centre for Marine Science>
  • Louise Hope – Associate Director, Finance
    I believe that a diverse range of voices is required to achieve progress, truth and equitable lives for all of Australia.
  • Sepanta Hosseinpour Dougolsar – PhD Student, School of Dentistry
    I am proud to take the Merle pledge because it is the right thing for the whole society.
  • Aaron Hughes – Health, Safety and Facilities Manager, QAAFI
    Gender equality is a basic human right, balance and diversity is democracy.
  • Mrs Cassandra Hughes – Operations Manager, Institute for Social Science Research
  • Declan Hughes – Associate Director, Organisational Leadership & Development, Human Resources Division
    Ensuring the University actively promotes balance in diversity and representation at all levels of the organisation is a no-brainer. Not only will this lead to better outcomes for our staff, students and broader community, but as knowledge leaders we should be recognising the benefits of both removing barriers and promoting inclusion.
  • Irene Hui – Senior International Placements and Partnerships Officer, Faculty of Medicine
  • Helen Hume – Deputy Director Operations, Queensland Brain Institute
    Equality matters and I want to play my part to create change.
  • Dr Natasha Hungerford – Research Fellow, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI)
  • Ms R A (Beck) Hurst – Manager, Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH)
    I'm taking the Merle Pledge because so many women have fought so hard for so long for recognition and equality. This honours them, and reminds us all of how far we have to go. We need our brothers to commit to, and take the issue seriously.
  • Khela Hutchinson – Recruitment Advisor, People Services Unit
    I am committed to supporting gender equality and amplifying the voices, experiences and contributions of women. Our strength not only as an organisation but as a society lies in our diversity.
  • Heidi Hynd – Stewardship Officer, EAIT Advancement
    On Wednesdays, we smash the patriarchy.
  • Saso Ivanovski – Professor, School of Dentistry
    This is an important issue that requires active advocacy and action.
  • Alexander Jackson – HR Business Partner, Human Resources
    Gender equality can only make us stronger as a society.
  • Sera Susan Jacob – PhD student, QAAFI
    I want to see more confident women in STEM eager to create change.
  • Alecia James​ – Teaching and Learning Project Officer, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences
  • Loretta Jamieson – Executive Assistant, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
  • Dr Jacqueline Jauncey-Cooke – Lecturer, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work
    Women must stand in solidarity to raise the profile of women and fight strenuously against inequity. We owe this to the next generation.
  • Anjana Jayasree – PhD student, School of Dentistry
  • Professor Jolanda Jetten – ARC Laureate Fellow and Professor of Social Psychology, School of Psychology
    Aside from fairness and quite considerations, good female representation at all levels is essential for progress to be made.
  • Dr Dhanisha Jhaveri – Senior Research Fellow, Mater Research Institute – UQ
    The Merle Pledge will power the change, providing opportunities and support to realise true potential.
  • Jiayue Clara Jiang – PhD candidate, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences
    I'm a woman and I want to be able to stand higher.
  • Stephanie Jillett – Deputy Director (Operations), Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology
    I am proud to pledge and continue to strongly advocate for gender balance and diversity.
  • Charlotte Johnson – Industry Engagement Manager, School of Business
    By taking this pledge, I commit to promote the representation of women and ensure that the necessary care is applied to offer them panel seats and future opportunities. I strongly value the diversity of views and believe that a holistic and inclusive approach leads to the best outcome.
  • Associate Professor Karyn Johnson – Associate Professor, School of Biological Sciences
  • Associate Professor Leanne Johnston – Head of Physiotherapy, School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences
    To ensure the discussions, directions and decisions made by leaders reflect the preferences and perspectives of the whole population, representation by people of both genders is essential.
  • Dr Geoffrey Jones – Lecturer, School of Economics
    Because acting in accordance with the pledge is simply the right and decent thing to do.
  • Dr Stephen Jones – Senior Lecturer, Business School
    Discrimination in any form is unethical and offensive.
  • Associate Professor Susan Jordan– Associate Professor, School of Public Health
    I want to ensure women have a strong voice in all public/professional forums – for me, for my colleagues and for women into the future - so our perspectives are always presented.
  • Alison Joubert– Lecturer, Business School
    I believe in diversity and inclusion.
  • Dr Vivian Kahl – Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Diamantina Institute
  • Angie Kahler – HDR Liaison Officer, Graduate School
  • Dr Kenan Kalayci – Senior Lecturer, School of Economics
  • Danielle Kamato – Early Career Fellow, School of Pharmacy
  • Professor Salit Kark – Professor, School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science
    I am taking this pledge because women have outstanding talent, knowledge, leadership skills and passion. When society becomes more aware, inclusive and equitable, and women are provided with opportunities, they will have a much bigger impact on science, education and society. If we all make an effort to be inclusive and aware of the importance of enhancing gender balance and diversity, we will all greatly benefit from this and provide opportunities for future generations.
  • Dr Sarit Kaserzon – Senior Research Fellow, QAEHS
    To help create opportunities and encouraged women to participation and contribute in a meaningful way.
  • Associate Professor Tim Kastelle – Associate Professor, Business School
    Equity is important.
  • Professor Lydia Kavanagh – Deputy Associate Dean Academic, Faculty of Science
    Gender equality is necessary for us to be able to realise human rights for all (i.e. we should have the same opportunities, and rights regardless of gender).
  • Justine Kay – HR Relationship Manager, Human Resources
  • Dr Carol Keane – Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Psychology
    Every voice that contributes to a collective perspective of gender equality strengthens the foundational attitude that will be inherited by those we currently teach and mentor.
  • Dr Shelley Keating – NHMRC Early Career Fellow, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences
  • Jasmine Kellaway – STARS Research Manager, HABS
  • Ms Libby Kelly​ – Executive Assistant, School of Public Health
  • Associate Professor Sarah Kelly​ – Associate Professor, The University of Queensland
    As a female, I have experienced gender inequity my entire career, and yet feel privileged to work in a country and environment that is taking steps to address this critical issue. Gender equality is possible, and positively impacts business and societal outcomes. We need to champion this and equality more broadly and can achieve real change in this regard when united in this mission. Stating the goal through this pledge is a public way to garner the critical mass needed to elicit change.
  • Professor Deanna Kemp – Associate Professor, Sustainable Minerals Institute
    This pledge provides the extra impetus that we sometimes need to 'speak up' and openly advocate for better gender balance.
  • Dr Emma Kennedy​ – Postdoctoral Research Fellow, SEES
    I'm taking the Merle Pledge to encourage myself to be a better advocate for diversity issues – because diversity in science only leads to diversity of thinking which leads to better scientific outcomes for all of us and for the planet.
  • Melissa Kerr – Professor , UQDI
  • Dr James Kesby​ – UQ Amplify Researcher, Queensland Brain Institute
  • Dong-Hyuk Kim​ – Senior Lecturer, School of Economics
  • Professor Glenn King – Professor, Institute for Molecular Bioscience
  • Carissa Klein – Senior Lecturer, SEES
    I took the Merle Pledge because I am frustrated by the number of policies and actions that foster gender inequality at UQ.
  • Dr Eve Klein​ – Senior Lecturer in Music Technology and Popular Music, School of Music
  • Professor Ryan Ko – Chair and Director, UQ Cyber Security, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
    As a professor to several students and an advisor and director to several organisations, I wish to lead by example. The IT and Cyber Security sectors have a lot of room for improvement in the area of gender diversity. Only 24 per cent of the cyber security sector worldwide are women, and improvements will only happen when every individual commits to gender diversity.
  • Dr Necla Asli Kocak Oztug – Visiting Post-Doc Research Fellow, School of Dentistry
    I’m taking the Merle Pledge because we need a gender equality in every occupation now more than ever.
  • Dr Jitka Kochanek – Research Scientist, AIBN
    I am a female scientist with 20 years of research experience. A welcoming and empathetic environment for women in research, particularly after having children, will keep women in science and help to shape the future of Australia. Since becoming a mum I have become a better leader, with more empathy and focus - and the story is the same for all women. I am excited to be part of a fairer and kinder future for the young women of tomorrow.
  • Dr Katrin Kockler – Postdoctoral Researcher, CAI
  • Professor Anna Koltunow – Professorial Research Fellow, QAAFI Centre for Crop Science, University of Queensland
    I think it is very important to strongly encourage opportunities for women in a diversity of careers. Equality in the workplace, encouraging collective input of ideas, discussion, creativity, teamwork, leadership, novel independent paths, surely makes for greater outcomes, impact, fun and builds healthy communities.
  • Vithya Krishnan – PhD student, SAFS
    Gender equality should not be up for debate.
  • Emily Krusz – Teaching and Research Assistant, School of Public Health
  • Louise Kuchel – Associate Professor, School of Biological Sciences
    Outcomes are always best when there is a diversity of perspectives, approaches and values in the mix.
  • Dr Anthony Kung – Senior Research Fellow, Sustainable Minerals Institute
    Diversity makes us all stronger.
  • Ratilal Lalloo – Associate Professor, School of Dentistry
  • Mrs Kim Lamb – School Manager, School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering
    It is important that all people be treated equitably regardless of age, gender, religion or ethnicity.
  • James A. T. Lancaster – Lecturer, HASS
    Because I want the voices of my wife and daughter to be heard and respected no less than my own.
  • Annie Lau – Lecturer, School of the Environment
    We are all human beings. We should all have equal opportunities.
  • Jan Lauko – Research Ops. Manager, AIBN
    I am committed to be a champion of gender diversity, not only at AIBN, where I am a member of the GED committee, but also in broader scientific community, across UQ as well as at public forums and other committees I am or will be a part of in the future.
  • David Lavell – Associate Director, Integrity and Investigations Unit
    I believe strongly in gender equity and will do all I can to ensure it is followed.
  • Clare Lavidis – Recruitment Advisor, Human Resources
  • Associate Professor Sheleigh Lawler – Associate Professor, The University of Queensland
    I have always been committed to gender equality, and taking the Merle Pledge is a visible way to show commitment. Gender parity leads to collaboration where multiple voices can be heard and leads to inclusive and holistic solutions.
  • Gwen Lawrie​– Professor, Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences
    I value and adopt inclusive practices which support all students' sense of belonging in our community and institution. It is particularly important for me to actively promote representation and encourage the voices of women in my learning environments in STEM.​
  • Camille Layt – Corporate Publications Manager, Marketing and Communication
    Diversity breeds strength in any context, which is why any initiative such as this is so important to advance towards gender equity. As a member of the SAGE Athena SWAN team at UQ, achieving this is something I'm passionate about and proud to support.
  • Amanda Lee – Professor, School of Public Health, The Faculty of Medicine
  • Graham Lee – Casual Course Coordinator, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences
    I believe in equality of all kinds, including women. A diversity of voices through participation and representation in academic spaces is a way to improve understanding of the needs and perspectives of the broader community.
  • Serena Leeke – HR Business Partner, HR Client Services
  • Jessica Leonard – Education Designer, BEL
  • Dr Sharlene Leroy-Dyer – Lecturer, Business School
    Women are underrepresented in Business schools throughout the country, especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. I am taking the pledge to encourage others to ask the questions, where are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and what are we going to do about it? lets work collectively to make a difference.
  • Dr Andrew Letten – Lecturer, BIOL
  • Glen Lichtwark – Professor, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences
  • Dr Jacques Liebenberg – Director, Strategic Program Office
    A diverse team and workplace is a key ingredient for any high achieving organisation. Having different views and perspectives from both genders are very important to ensure the best possible solution or approach is introduced and followed. In particular, as a senior leader it is my obligation to lead by example and promote the participation of women in professional forums and other work related activities.
  • Dr Junxian Lim – Research Officer, Institute for Molecular Bioscience
  • Dr Michael Limerick – Adjunct Associate Professor, Institute for Social Science Research
    Inspired by my mother's lifelong advocacy of gender equality, I want to do my part to encourage the organisations I work with to be more inclusive of women. I am hoping for a world where my two daughters will have the same opportunities as my son to participate in and contribute to public and professional life.
  • Akiaja Lindstrom – Adjunct Fellow, School of Public Health
  • Dr Emma Livingstone – Research Administration Officer, Office of Sponsored Research
    I believe in diversity and inclusion in all spaces.
  • Alexandra Longworth – Project Director, MD Design Project, Faculty of Medicine
    I am passionate about diversity and equality in our society.
  • Professor Winnifred Louis – Professor, Psychology
    Allowing a diversity of voices to be heard is important for justice and for wise, informed decision-making.
  • Professor Catherine Lovelock – Professor, School of Biological Sciences
  • Professor Linda Lua – Director, UQ Protein Expression Facility
    This is a small step in the right direction and an important one that has big impact.
  • Dr Petra Lundgren – Innovation Broker, DVCR
    Equity, in every sense, is fundamental to the progression of a just and thriving world.
  • Rebecca Lush​ – Curator, SBMS
  • Tanya Lutvey – Senior Manager, Workplace Diversity and Inclusion
    I took the Merle Pledge because as a young female scientist, it is important I encourage diversity and equality from the very beginning of my career.
  • Tina Macht– Digitisation Assistant, Library
    Women still have to fight for too many things. Gender equality is important and is something I hand down to my son. We are all humans!
  • Dr Niki Macionis​– Lecturer, UQ Business School
    I took the Merle Pledge because gender balance and diversity is right for everyone.
  • Elizabeth Mackinlay – Associate Professor, School of Education
    Merle Thornton lit the fire and it's up to us to keep the feminist blaze burning for every women now and into the future.
  • Associate Professor Katie Makar – Associate Professor, School of Education (HASS)
    Gender equity is evidence that women are valued in academia and ensures a range of voices, perspectives and advocacy for women in society.
  • Sachithrani Umanda Madugalle – Graduate student, Queensland Brain Institute
    Diverse voices, including women's, are too often diluted by men's voices or worse, excluded altogether from public discussions. We need to start making people accountable for this significant gap.
  • Niru Mahendran – Lecturer, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
  • Professor Tim Mahony – Professorial Research Fellow, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI)
    To not take the pledge would be to accept the status quo, ignoring the critical importance of diversity and equity in all aspects of our lives.
  • Judith Mair – Associate Professor, UQBS
    I strongly believe that action is needed to improve representation of women throughout the academy.
  • Dr Russell Manfield – Lecturer and Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Business School
  • Ms Runali Maniya​ – Founder, SDG Impactors
    I am a woman of colour. I come from India, have experienced and understand the value and the rippling effect and impact it creates on supporting women.
  • Andrea Markey​ – Deputy Director – Advancement, Queensland Brain Institute
    I believe increasing the visibility and contribution of women is crucial in improving gender balance and diversity, with the ultimate goal of encouraging and supporting the voices of women.
  • Krista Markham – Careers Advisor, Student Employability Centre
    Representation matters.
  • Nicholas Marshall – Student Experience Officer, Faculty of Business, Economics and Law
    Gender balance and diversity is key to the development of a rich society.
  • Romany Martin – PhD Student, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
    It is great to have ways to action these ideals.
  • Professor Barbara Masser – Professor, School of Psychology
  • Dr Eve Massingham – Senior Research Fellow, Law School
  • Dr Carmen Mathmann – Postdoctoral Research Fellow, UQ Diamantina Institute
  • Professor Jason Mattingley – Professor, Queensland Brain Institute and School of Psychology
  • Professor Margaret Mayfield – Professor and Head of School, School of Biological Sciences
  • Dr Sean Maxwell – Research Fellow, School of the Environment
    Equality is important and is something we can control.
  • David Mayocchi – Executive Manager, Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
    Gender equality will Create Change. That's what Merle showed me.
  • Colleen McAleese – HR Relationship Manager (Acting), Human Resources
  • Ross McAree – Head of School, Mechanical and Mining Engineering
    As a Mechanical Engineer, I work in a profession whose demographic is male dominated. The number of female students studying in the School and the number of female academic staff employed by the School is about 10%. I and many of my colleagues feel this level of participation unacceptable. I am taking the Merle Pledge because it actively asserts that we need to change the way we do things to redress the balance for a better UQ.
  • Dr Tomomi McAuliffe – Associate lecturer, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science
    I support gender equality in public and professional forums as well as in everyday life.
  • Dr Amy McCart Reed – Research Fellow, UQCCR
  • Jordan McCarthy – Senior Manager, Marketing and Engagement, Business School
    Supporting women into senior leadership through education is a strategic priority of The University of Queensland Business School and one of the key reasons why I am passionate about my role.
  • Diana McCluskey – Graduate Centre Manager, Graduate Centre in Governance and International Affairs
    We hold many events and these need to be gender balanced. Supporting women in our School and Centre to participate in all opportunities to showcase their work.
  • Zoe McDonald – Donor Relations Officer, Alumni Relations and Engagement
    We have come a long way in improving women's visibility and inclusion in society, but there is still a way to go. I am committed to improving things for my generation and for those to come.
  • Associate Professor Eve McDonald-Madden​ – Associate Professor, School of the Environment
  • Dominic McGrath – Teaching and Learning Manager, Institute for Teaching and Learning Innovation (ITaLI)
  • John McGrath – Professor, Queensland Brain Institute
    The Merle Pledge provides an enabler for women to participate in a meaningful way across all leadership activities and promotes gender equity.
  • Dr Treasure McGuire – Conjoint Senior Lecturer, School of Pharmacy
    We need better representation of women in leadership at UQ and in health research in general.
  • Aideen McInerney-Leo – NHMRC Research Fellow, UQDI
    I am a strong believer in encouraging and empowering women to contribute.
  • Professor David McIntyre – Head of Mater Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine
    I strongly support gender equity and wish to expand my role as a "Champion of Change".
  • Dr Sam McKenzie – Project Manager, Institute for Teaching and Learning Innovation
    It's about dang time – well beyond the time where we need to be advocating for equality.
  • Mercedes McLean​ – PhD Candidate, SEES
    The pledge is important to me because women and their contributions have been and continue to be underrepresented in academia. I want to be part of taking inclusive actions today, so that the next generation doesn't have to!
  • Associate Professor Erin McMeniman – Associate Professor, School of Medicine, Dermatology Research Centre
  • Jodie McNab – General Manager, UQ Health Care Limited
  • Dr Marie McSween – Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, The University of Queensland
  • Dr Vincent Mellor – Biometrics Consultant, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences
  • Flavio Menezes – Professor, Economics
    I would like to think that I have been living up to this pledge for most of my career, but of course there is much more to be done to pursue a more inclusive society.
  • Lea Merone – Senior Research Fellow, School of Public Health
    I am a woman in STEM.
  • Professor Fred Meunier – Professor, Queensland Brain Institute
    I have seen too many highly talented women treated unfairly and choosing their family over their careers. Enough is enough.
  • Dr Lin Mi – Lecturer in Finance, UQ Business School
  • Mark Midwinter – Professor Clinical Anatomy, SBMS, FoM
    I recognise gender equity as fundamental right
  • Mila Miladinovic – Senior Marketing and Communications Officer, Faculty of Medicine
  • Bianca Millroy – Engagement Officer, AustLit
    I support gender equality and diversity and want to be part of making this change for the better, especially championing women in the Arts and Humanities.
  • Dr Leander Mitchell – Senior Lecturer (Clinical Academic), School of Psychology
    I value equity and equality.
  • Miriam Moeller​ – Senior Lecturer, Business School
    I took the Merle Pledge to keep making progress.
  • Donna Moodie – Administration Officer, University of Queensland
    I took the Merle Pledge because we have so much more to offer and we are stronger with diversity. Whilst my children are different in gender, they remain equal in my eyes and I owe it to them to make this world a better place.
  • Rev. Dr Anita Monro – Honorary Research Senior Fellow and Head of Residential College, History and Philosophical Inquiry; Grace College
  • Sue Monsen – Associate Lecturer, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences
    By taking the Merle Pledge, I embrace the inclusion of everyone in our diverse society.
  • Professor Greg Monteith – Associate Dean (Research), Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences
    I have seen how better representation at conferences and events, improves the scientific quality of events.
  • Professor Matthew Morell​ – Director, QAAFI
    The Merle Pledge represents a benchmark for action and behaviour that is essential in a modern future facing workplace. We can not educate our students or address the grand challenges of our times through our research without harnessing the full power of our people and the diversity of their experience and thought. The Pledge guides us in the way we work but also in framing and addressing the objectives of our work.
  • Professor Karen Moritz –Associate Dean of Research, Faculty of Medicine
  • Professor Peter Mumby​ – Professor, School of Biological Sciences
    To improve opportunities and the quality of research and teaching environment.
  • Cormac Murphy​ – Director of Advancement, EAIT
    I believe it is important to ensure gender equality becomes a way of life and, as a FLAG member, I wish to show some leadership in this area and set a good example to others.
  • Aliisa Mylonas – Senior Education Manager, BEL Faculty
    "If not me, who? If not now, when?" [Emma Watson]
  • Dr Fatima Nasrallah – Dr., Queensland Brain Institute
    I believe that females can offer as much as males to our society and this needs to be acknowledged.
  • Dr Marina Naval Sanchez – Postdoctoral Researcher, Institute for Molecular Bioscience
    I consider there is a lack of women role models in genomics and bioinformatics, having them is crucial for other women to look up to and be encouraged in their field of research.
  • Gabi Netzel – Research Fellow, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Science
  • Khwanruethai Ngampromwongse​ – Vice Chancellor’s Indigenous Graduate Program 2021, School of Public Health
    Equality, Equity and Inclusion are the foundations of my career goals in teaching and research.
  • Associate Professor Kim Nichols​ – Associate Professor, School of Education, HASS Faculty
    I want to take the Merle Pledge because I am passionate about advocating for women’s voices to be heard, including them in academic opportunities and supporting their career progression.
  • Joanne Nitz – Director of Advancement, Faculty of Business, Economics and Law
    I have experienced gender inequality within a past work environment - something I will never forget. I'm proud to sign the Merle Pledge and I will endeavour to do all that I can to uphold the commitments.
  • Associate Professor Michael Noad – Associate Professor, Academic Director of the Moreton Bay Research station, School of Veterinary Science
    Gender equity, or at least a bonafide attempt to have gender equity, should be fundamental to any of the meetings, panels or conferences that we attend. Anything less is disrespectful, unfair and myopic. This is a really important step in rectifying this regrettably stubborn issue.
  • Dr Christy Noble – Clinical Learning and Assessment Lead, Faculty of Medicine
  • Kimberley Nunes – Research Manager, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
  • Yvonne Oberhollenzer​ – Manager, Student Futures, Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
  • Jessica O'Brien​ – Engagement Officer, Queensland Brain Institute (QBI)
    As an employee who organises events at UQ, I am very involved in the conversations of who should be involved as a speaker, panel member etc at the functions I organise. This pledge ensures that, through my role, I am accountable in making a conscious effort to diversify gender representation within UQ events.
  • John O'Brien – Manager, Client Solutions – Planning and Business Intelligence
    I want to be proactive in addressing the discrimination that's faced by many of my non-male colleagues due to gender equity issues that persist at UQ.
  • Shannon O'Brien – Learning Designer, ITaLI
  • Patrick O'Callaghan – Fellow, AIBE
    Just seems reasonable at this point in time.
  • Dr Liza O'Moore​ – Associate Dean (Academic), EAIT
    I took the Merle Pledge because actions speak louder and last longer than words.
  • Angela O'Sullivan – Associate Director, Commercial Engagement, UniQuest
  • Dr Caoimhe O'Sullivan – Associate Clinical Lecturer, Mater Clinical Unit
  • Rachel Oh – PhD candidate, Biological Sciences
  • Dr Sandra Milena Olarte Mantilla – Research Officer, QAAFI
    I am a woman experiencing gender unbalance in my work place
  • Dr Rebecca Olive – Senior Research Fellow, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Studies
    We all need to continue to fight for better conditions for everyone. This pledge focuses on women's representation, but in ensuring this we raise awareness for the need for equity in representation and participation for diverse people across societies and cultures.
  • Dr Faith Ong​ – Lecturer, UQ Business School
  • Carlos Miraldo Ordens – Research Fellow, UQ
    Because I stand for equity.
  • Dr Shona Osborne​ – CIBIT Centre Manager, Centre for Advanced Imaging
  • Marlin Othman – Advancement Officer, Institute for Molecular Bioscience
    The pledge is important to me because diversity and inclusivity cannot exist until there is a level playing field and a level playing field can only be achieved through equal representation. When every person of varying background and gender is represented, the empowerment it creates is immeasurable. The more we are all seen on a platform, the power of believe is achieved which abolishes sexism, racism and the division of equality.
  • Lisa Ottenhaus​ – Lecturer, School of Civil Engineering
    Women’s representation and gender equity can only be achieved if we challenge unconscious biases and actively promote participation.
  • Professor Nancy A. Pachana – Professor of Clinical Geropsychology, School of Psychology
    There have been many instances in my personal and professional life where strong women's actions and voices smoothed my path and enabled me to reach my goals. I have always sought to do the same for other women, and am proud to take this pledge in the name of a courageous and inspiring role model, Merle Thornton.
  • Imogen Page – Research Officer, School of Public Health
  • Deb Palmer – Manager Indigenous Employment, Human Resources, Workplace Diversity & Inclusion
    I will be taking the Merle pledge to show my support in increasing women's representation and supporting the Diversity and Inclusion within UQ.
  • Professor John Pandolfi – Professor, School of Biological Sciences
    I support initiatives that help to level the playing field for women and other underrepresented groups to achieve their aspirations based on merit and equal opportunity.
  • Donna Parker – Lecturer, School of Veterinary Science
  • Polly Parker – Associate Dean (Academic), Faculty of Business, Economics and Law
    I believe in and commit to equitable representation in all activities and events at UQ to demonstrate a broader aim for an inclusive and balanced society.
  • Dr Stacey Parker – Senior Lecturer, Director CBOP, School of Psychology
  • Suzanne Parker – Lecturer, UQ Centre for Clinical Research
  • Suzanne Parker – Publications Editor, Marketing and Communication
    Like Merle, I thought unequal pay was SO unfair. In my first job as a filing clerk in 1974, I couldn't understand why boys got paid more money for doing EXACTLY the same job as the girls and they weren't even as good! At least Merle had the tenacity to do something about this inequity, whereas I just suffered in silence, feeling grateful I even had a temporary holiday job. We got paid the same rates the next year though. Go, Merle!
  • Dr Louisa Parkinson – Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation
    I believe in and commit to equitable representation in all activities and events at UQ to demonstrate a broader aim for an inclusive and balanced society.
  • Joni Parmenter​ – Research Fellow, CSRM
  • Associate Professor Riitta Partanen – Head of Rural Clinical School, Rural Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine
    I have taken the Merle Pledge as I strongly believe in gender equality. Not only will gender equality improve the performance and success of UQ, but it will also improve the health, wellbeing and prosperity in our communities and more broadly. Gender equality is a human right.
  • Ms Anne Patterson – Training and Support Officer, Finance and Business Services
    I have three daughters and I want the world they live in to equally afford them every opportunity. I don't want them thinking they are less than or have to work harder for the same respect or pay as a male. To me, women are the backbone of our society and should be held in higher esteem, but I'll take fairness to start.
  • Mrs Sheela Paul – TPP Teacher, UQ College
    My aspiration to take up research in Electronics was curtailed by lack of flexibility and opportunity for a new mother and a new migrant, trying to balance the work-family act. I would like this to change, especially being the mother of a girl, I would like my own daughter and her peers to reach for the skies and come out with flying colours with all our support, all the way.
  • Joanne Paxton – Course Coordinator, School of Education
    Feminism is for everyone.
  • Erin Pearl – Advancement Manager, Queensland Brain Institute
    I took the Merle Pledge because it is important to have a diverse representation of people involved in events.
  • Cara Pearson – Administration Assistant, Office of the Chief Operating Officer
  • Christina Pedersen – General Services Officer, School of Mathematics and Physics
    It is important that the women of today, realise they have a voice, and to use that voice to create the changes in the world they wish to see, leading by example, to encourage the children of today, to become great leaders in our future.
  • Brett Pelttari – Recruitment Advisor, Human Resources
    Recruitment is in a unique position to influence increased women's representation in various roles at UQ and it's a position I'm pleased to be in. As a feminist, I'm proud to support this initiative and pledge that I will personally keep working to ensure increased engagement of strong and capable women at our University.
  • Jill Penridge – Institute Manager, UQ Diamantina Institute
    I believe that diverse views and experiences lead to the most robust solutions.
  • Karen Perkins​– Faculty Executive Manager, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
    I want to live in a fair and just world, and for that we must have equality of genders (and race, class, sexuality, etc)​
  • Professor Nigel Perkins​ – Head of School, School of Veterinary Science
    I support gender equality and I support actions that promote awareness and change to increase opportunities for women.​
  • Allison Pettit – Professor, Mater Research Institute – UQ
    I'm taking the Merle Pledge because I wish to participate in the most innovative and high quality forums and conferences.
  • Professor Stuart Phinn – Professor, School of the Environment
    Changing the current approaches and level of diversity in all areas research, teaching, government and industry is essential for the well being of our societies and environment.
  • Dorina Pojani – Senior Lecturer, SEES
  • Dr Benjamin Pope – Lecturer, School of Mathematics and Physics
  • Dr Lisa Claire Pope – Analysis and Development Coordinator, Institute for Social Science Research
    I organise training for PhD students, including panels, and want to ensure diverse views are represented.
  • Peter T. L. Popkowski Leszczyc – Professor, Business
  • Jeeban Poudel​ – Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Civil Engineering
    Knowledge is for all and should be equal to all irrespective of anything :)​
  • Loretta Porche – Integrated Planning and Performance Manager, Marketing and Communication
  • Andries Bernardus Potgieter – Associate Professor, QAAFI
    I support the promotion of equity and participation in gender and cultural diversity within my work environment.​
  • Professor Ben Powell – Professor, School of Mathematics and Physics
  • Dr Kate Power​ – Lecturer, UQ Business School
    Individual action can achieve important social change.
  • Dr Akila Devi Prabhakaran – Post Doctoral Research Fellow, CHS, QAAFI
    I'm taking this pledge, because I still feel there is gender imbalance at career opportunity especially at leadership roles and lack of participation and contribution in professional forum. I would like to see the positive change.
  • Professor Carlo Prato – Professor and Head of School, UQ School of Civil Engineering
    We live in a world where, in 2020, we still need to fight for equity and diversity to be recognised. It sounds absurd, but every step counts: let this pledge be one more step in the right direction!
  • Aunty Roma Pregarc, B.Bus, GIA (Cert)​ – Sessional Academic, Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health
    I am committed to supporting the voices of women, increasing the visibility of women, advocating for equal contribution and gender balance, encouraging cultural diversity and social inclusion, recognising when unconscious bias is evident, and not accepting inequality.
  • Clare Primiero – Clinical Research Coordinator, UQ Diamantina Institute
    I took the Merle Pledge to advocate for gender balance and increasing diversity in panel/forum representatives.
  • Bryan Pryde – CEO, UQ Sport Ltd.
    This is 2021. With all of the contributions of women throughout history, this is absolutely the right thing to do!
  • Artem Pulemotov – Senior Lecturer, School of Mathematics and Physics
  • John Quiggin – Laureate fellow, School of Economics
    It's inherently right. In addition, there is ample evidence to show that social decisions of all kinds will be better, the more weight is given to the thoughts of women.
  • Associate Professor Kym Rae – Associate Professor, Mater Research Institute
    I support the equity and equality of women in all forums. Additionally, I pledge to support the representation of women from; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, other cultures and women with disabilities to be heard.
  • Professor Alicia N. Rambaldi – Professor of Economics, School of Economics
    Gender diversity brings richness of views, experiences and perspectives into all conversations and decisions.
  • Tina Rampino – Postdoctoral Research Fellow, CBEH
    Because I have already been committed to its principals for years and acted upon this both at work and outside of work.
  • Jorgen Rasmussen – Deputy Head of School, Head of Mathematics, School of Mathematics and Physics
  • Andrew Redmond – Adjunct Senior Lecturer, Medicine
    Women's contributions have been overlooked for too long and I can play my part in redressing that injustice.
  • Mark Reedman – School Manager, School of Civil Engineering
    Equity, gender balance and diversity should be the norm.
  • Dr Sarah Reedman – Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Child Health Research Centre
  • Marina Reeves – Professor, School of Public Health
  • Siobhan Remy – Marketing and Communications Officer, AIBN
    Everyone has their own unique perspectives, and by increasing the volume and variety of diverse voices, we can better approach problems with innovate solutions.
  • Christian Reus-Smit – Professor, School of Political Science and International Studies
    I am taking the pledge to acknowledge the outstanding women in my field, to help increase their voice, to improve pathways for women ECRs, and as a signal that senior men in my field take this issue seriously.
  • David Reutens – Director, Centre for Advanced Imaging
    I believe that all human persons have an inherent and equal worth and dignity.
  • Professor Jonathan Rhodes – Professor, School of the Environment
    I strongly believe that everyone should have access to the same opportunities and it is so important that we all contribute to making sure this happens.
  • Cynthia Riginos – Professor, School of Biological Sciences
  • Professor Brent Ritchie – Associate Dean (Research), Faculty of Business, Economics and Law
    It is extremely important that gender diversity and representation of females is taken into account in any conference or event participation. Without representation female voices can't be heard and perspectives taken into account.
  • Tara Roberson – Dr, SMP/EQUS
  • Sarah Roberts-Thomson – Professor and Head of School, Pharmacy
    We need positive action to increase the representation of women across all aspects of life in Australia. Equity doesn't occur without meaningful actions.
  • Professor Gail Robinson – Professor, Queensland Brain Institute & School of Psychology
  • Theresa Robinson – Manager, Student Progression, Academic Services Division
    Gender equality is important.
  • Timothy Robinson – Senior Management Accountant, Finance & Business Services
  • Clyne Roche – Manager, Finance and Business Services
    Ensuring diversity in all arenas contributes to a better outcome for all (not only those who are usually under-represented).
  • Sonia Roitman – Dr, SEES
    It is essential to acknowledge the contribution of women to society if we want to achieve gender equity and diversity towards a more just world where every one of us feels valued and included.
  • Dr Jacquiline Romero – Senior Lecturer and Westpac Research Fellow, SMP
    I'm taking the Merle Pledge because changing the current inequity in our culture is everyone's responsibility. Join us!
  • Professor Helen Ross – Professor, Rural Development, SAFS
    Gender equity – and much other diversity – is vital to our society and every member. Panels and conferences are so important to hearing women's expertise and insights, breaking down the idea that the words of male academics and professionals are somehow more important. Speaking opportunities represent equal opportunity in performance metrics and opportunities for promotion, too.
  • Michelle Rowland – SMI Administration Officer, SMI
  • Professor Susan Rowland – Professor, Faculty of Science
    Everybody should have representation and a voice.
  • Professor Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop – Director of EQUS Translational Research Laboratory, School of Mathematics and Physics
    I am taking the Merle Pledge because it is a right moment to commit to more action, in particular for action to reduce inequality everywhere. The strength will come from equity and diversity.
  • Zoe Rutherford – Senior Research Fellow - Mental Health Evaluation, SPH - QCMHR
    Ensuring that we have diversity and equality in the workplace is important to me and the work I do. As a woman and a mother, having a workplace that is flexible and understanding, ensuring that I can fulfil and excel in all my roles is paramount.
  • Shazia Sadiq – Professor, School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering
  • Chloe Salisbury – Associate Lecturer, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences
    Because I want to be able to look back on my career and know I did something for the women who will come after me.
  • Megha Samtani – Procurement Manager, Finance and Business Services
    Gender equality should not have been an issue in the first place, it should have always existed to establish a sustainable and fair society.
  • Jodi Saunus – Senior Research Fellow, Faculty of Medicine
    Raising awareness through open conversation helps to shift cultural standards and address unconscious bias.
  • Felisa Sawilla​ – HR Advisor, AskHR, The University of Queensland
  • Professor Susanne Schmitt – Professor, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences
    In the male dominated field of agriculture, there is room for a greater participation of women as leaders and decision makers. Appreciation of the contribution of women and equal opportunity is crucial for our future.
  • Daniel Schull – Associate Professor, Veterinary Science
  • Ethan Scott – Associate Professor, Queensland Brain Institute
    This is a small gesture, but hopefully one that can change the balance in important ways. Invited talks build speakers' careers, promote speakers' research, and form young scientists' images of who is important and valued in our community. They must be balanced.
  • James Scott – Honorary Professor, Faculty of Medicine
  • Associate Professor Linda Selvey – Associate Professor, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine
    Gender equity is important because women have as much to contribute as men.
  • Dr Jenny Setchell – Senior Research Fellow, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
    It creates a better world for everyone – I also pledge to work towards cultural diversity.
  • Zoe Sever – Research Nurse, Centre for Child Health Research
    I am passionate about ensuring gender equality both in the workplace and wider community. I would love to raise this issue further and advocate for change.
  • Nick Shaw – Professor, Faculty of Medicine
    It is important to ensure gender balance and diversity are widely recognised.
  • Paul Sheeran – Associate Director, Information Technology Services
    I'm taking the Merle Pledge because everyone should.
  • Dr Carl Sherwood – Senior Lecturer, School of Economics
  • Dr Sally Shrapnel – Senior Lecturer, School of Mathematics and Physics
    As a women in STEM I have a direct window into the "leaky pipeline". While the causes are varied, I believe the Merle Pledge will go some way to addressing this problem.
  • Dr Pavla Simerska – Written Assessment Lead, Office of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine
    I'm taking the Merle Pledge because I believe it is important to support gender balance.
  • Andrew Simpson​ – Information Services Manager, UQ Business School
  • Dr Shweta Singh – Program Lead- Agribusiness & Agriculture, UQ Skills
    My ethos echo's to educate, support and empower women to make informed decisions so they can lead a life of hope, empowerment and respect.
  • Aditi Singhal – Concierge Assistant (Student Services), Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences
    The Merle Pledge aligns with my line of study as a future Counsellor. As someone who learns about the uniqueness and diversity each mind brings to the therapy session, I have a greater appreciation for the strengths and skillset individuals hold. It is through the Merle Pledge that I seek to endorse equality across all areas of incredible work that people within and beyond UQ are doing to create change in the world.
  • Dan Siskind– Professor, School of Clinical Medicine
  • Tina Skinner– Associate Professor, HMNS
  • Professor Virginia Slaughter – Head of School, School of Psychology
    My sub-discipline is developmental psychology, where there are more women than men actively researching and teaching yet conference keynotes typically feature 50% OR MORE male speakers. I want to help redress this.
  • Professor Anthony Smith – Director, Centre for Online Health
    I believe it is important to foster a fair and equitable workplace where skills, knowledge, experience and capability are valued for what they are, not because of a person's gender.
  • Emily Smith – Clinical Associate Lecturer, Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences
    I believe that we will only achieve equality in research and patient outcomes when women are equally represented in public and professional forums.
  • Associate Professor Graeme Smith – Associate Professor, School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering
  • Dr Millicent Smith – Lecturer Crop Physiology, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences
  • Neville Smith – Senior Learning Designer, ITaLI
    My mother was a great role model for me and I feel would have had more opportunity to further her own career and personal goals if not for gender barriers in place. I wish for a more gender less barrier to personal career goal and growth.
  • Associate Professor Heather Smyth – Associate Professor, The University of Queensland
  • Mrs Maria Somodevilla Torres – Chemical Management Project Officer, HSW Division
    Equality, gender and otherwise, along with education is the key for advancement. A university is the pinnacle for that, and I must do my part.
  • Dr Emma Somogyi – Learning Designer, ITaLI
  • Professor H. Peter Soyer – Professor, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Dermatology Research Centre
    I took the Merle Pledge because I stand for gender equality.
  • Leigh Sperka – Associate Lecturer, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences
  • Chris Steel – Administrative Assistant, PEF
    Gender equality and diversity is critical to our future. The Merle Pledge reminds us of our personal accountability to make a difference to the lives of women now and into the future.
  • Ilaria Stefani – Business Manager, QAAFI
    I hope my child will live in an unbiased future, where this kind of pledge won't be needed.
  • Gary Stefano – Associate Director, Information Technology Services
    I have been committed to this goal for many years and actively try to support my team to achieve a more inclusive community. Women in IT is a good example of actively encouraging staff to take the time and build networks that support their careers and aspirations. Providing internal opportunities to develop skills and enhance employment prospects. I am in the fortuitous position in ITS to have a very diverse team with many young people starting careers. This allows me to understand and develop team members and put the structure around them to succeed. This is important to me to ensure that this has longevity and my management team will see the value in a diverse community for teams and all our responsibilities to ensure equity.
  • Nick Stenson – Organisational Design and Effectiveness Specialist, Human Resources
    As a man, I can (and will) be an ally and champion, but I recognise that I cannot be an example the same way another woman can. By providing more visible examples of women in leadership, we challenge the traditional image of what a leader 'looks like' and expand career options for our female colleagues.
  • Allison Stewart – Senior Lecturer Equine Medicine, UQ-VETS Equine Specialist Hospital
    Although veterinary medicine has been predominantly female for over 30 years, there is still a dominance of men in leadership roles, especially within academia and practice partnerships. Unfortunately many are rewarded in leadership roles by claiming the credit of those who toil in the trenches.
  • Heather Stewart – Dr, UQBS UQ Communication and Arts
    I am committed to ethical considerations including gender equity in my teaching and learning, research and engagement with stakeholders and industry work. I have faced adversity in a male-dominated professional world during my 30-years' as a teacher, journalist, communication specialist and now academic and researcher. I have supported my peers when gender and equity issues prevail. As a mother of three children, I have worked and studied, and tried to manage the challenges this presents and strive to play my part in raising awareness of the issues which impact lives so severely so future generations find a more equitable environment for the betterment of society. I remain optimistic and focused in playing my part to even the balance.
  • Teneale Stewart – Research Officer, Faculty of Medicine
    Representation is hugely important. When we view the composition of panel or committee, we often view (whether consciously or subconsciously) our future potential. A reality where panels are gender balanced and inclusive of people of colour and those identifying as LGBTQIA+ has the potential to be life changing for many.
  • Deanne Strachan – Manager, Student Experience (Student Support), Faculty of Business, Economics and Law
    Gender discrimination affects everyone and we need to do all that we can to ensure we have equal representation and opportunity.
  • Professor Rodney Strachan – Professor, UQ School of Economics
    I work in a discipline with a significant gender imbalance and this is not just inequitable but a loss for the discipline. A diversity of experiences brings a richer set of views and ideas.
  • Karen Stuggins – Research Administration Officer, Office of Sponsored Research
    I strongly believe we need to encourage women to speak up and voice their opinions, particularly in situations where they have felt intimidated in the past due to their gender.
  • Kathryn Sturman – Senior Research Fellow, SMI
    I want to hear as many women's opinions as men's on every subject. I notice men my age assuming leadership positions while women step aside or wait to be recognised as experts. I hope this pledge will see more women invited to share their expertise.
  • Angie Sturrock – Athena SWAN Data and Report Consultant, Workplace Diversity and Inclusion
    It is right. It is important.
  • Dr Rodrigo Suarez – UQ Amplify Research Fellow, Queensland Brain Institute
    It is a significant little step in the right direction!
  • Dr Yasmina Sultanbawa – Associate Professor, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation
    Gender Diversity in an organisation enhances creativity, builds smarter, inclusive, caring and productive teams.
  • Joshua Sweeney – Research Administration Officer, Research Office
  • Dr Alex Tam – Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Mathematics and Physics
  • Clare Tarlington – Project Coordinator,Student Services
  • Ms Renee Tayler – Teaching Support Officer, School of Public Health
  • Matthew Taylor – Video Production Manager, Marketing and Communication
  • Karen Teitzel – Office Manager, Business School
    I truly believe in gender equality and as a mother of a teenage daughter I would like to part of a movement that encourages female participation in all levels of Business and Government.
  • Mr Theodore Teo Wei Shan – Academic Tutor, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
    There are still many inequalities and microaggressions that women face in today's society, and I would like to do my best to assist with amplifying the voices of women and ensure equity/equality for all genders.
  • Patrick Testa – Executive Manager, Faculty of Science
    Women's experiences and voices should be heard in the life of an organisation, especially a university.
  • Amy Thams – Project Officer, Office of the Provost
  • Professor Kevin Thomas​ – Director, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences
    I strongly believe in equality and fairness for all.​
  • Bronte Thompson – School Liaison Officer, Future Students Australia
    I am passionate about gender equality and believe it is important for our future success in every industry.
  • Ian Thompson, APM – Project Coordinator, Ability Schools Engagement Program, School of Social Sciences
    As an advocate of equality throughout my working career in the public sector I believe it is important to continue to champion fair representation and equality of women, gender diversity and driving change in the workplace. Taking this pledge and publicly committing to it will focus others on continuing to champion change.
  • Julianna Thomson – Senior Research Project Officer, QAAFI
    It provides a clear framework of intention and action to create positive and permanent change.
  • Professor Karen Thorpe – Professor, Institute for Social Science Research
    Finding a voice for women requires having fair representation of women in all walks of life and particularly in those that are most influential.
  • Professor Kristofer Thurecht – Professor, AIBN
  • Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts – Associate Professor, School of Biological Sciences
    I believe in gender equity and want to contribute to change.
  • Elodie Tischer – Senior Project Officer, Workplace Diversity and Inclusion, HR
    I am taking the Merle Pledge because I believe in gender equality, and the important initiatives and goals this pledge stands for.
  • Katherine Tonks – Student Administration Officer, Faculty of Medicine
  • Associate Professor Leigh Tooth – Associate Professor, Public Health
    Gender balance in so many aspects of society and university life has been so badly lacking for so long, and everybody is poorer because of it. Excluding or minimising the contributions of half of the population is wrong. Simple as that.
  • Jess Torpey – Change Lead, Strategic Program Office
    We need to constantly push the boundaries and speak up because you can't treat inequality equally!
  • Dr Stephen Townsend – Associate Lecturer, HMNS
    I work with and have been mentored by a collection of brilliant women, whose voices deserve to be heard.
  • Juha Töyräs – Professor, School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering
  • Gabrielle Trubshaw – Administration Assistant, Property & Facilities
    I believe in gender equality, particularly in a male dominated industry (construction/engineering).
  • Dr Stephen Tucker – Lecturer, School of Education
  • Mandy Turner – Manager, UQ Cyber Security Operations Centre
    I have been on panels or presented at conferences where I have been the sole female speaker. This is changing for the better, let’s keep the momentum going. I stand for embracing diversity and supporting inclusion at the events I organise or at which I present.
  • Susannah Tye – Senior Research Fellow, The University of Queensland
    I am committed to supporting and encouraging gender equality in my work group, institution and scientific field.
  • Professor Richard Valenta – Director, WH Bryan Mining and Geology Research Centre
    Taking this stand is the best way for us to reach these gender equity and diversity objectives.
  • Associate Professor Elske van de Fliert – Associate Professor, Centre for Communication and Social Change, School of Communication and Arts
    I value equity, diversity and inclusiveness.
  • Jane van Kester – Program Manager, BPDA, ITS
    Having equality in all facets of life should be the norm.
  • Alison van Niekerk – Manager, Executive Office, Queensland Brain Institute
    I believe in equality and inclusivity for all.
  • Gilles Vanwalleghem – Post-Doc, Queensland Brain Institute
    Gender equality should have happened decades ago.
  • Cedryck Vaquette – Post-Doc fellow, HABS, School of Dentistry
    I support gender equality.
  • Rocio Trinidad Vargas Soto​– PhD Candidate, Sustainable Minerals Institute
  • Natalie Vear – PhD Student and Academic Tutor, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences
  • Anand Veeraragavan – Associate Professor, School of Mechanical & Mining Engineering
    I think it takes a concerted and sustained effort to overcome and improve from the current poor gender representation across a broad spectrum of fields and activities.
  • Brooke Veliscek – Senior Project Manager - Infrastructure, Properties and Facilities
    We should all be in an inclusive environment that values, supports and celebrates equity. Together we make this happen.
  • Bronwyn Venus – Research Partnerships Manager, QAAFI
    The absence of women at professional forums is a problem because speakers are usually male, so audiences are given an exclusive perspective. The lack of diversity limits the quality of the conversation. When visible role models are male, absence of women perpetuates absence of women. Fewer women choose to speak, and fewer are chosen. Compounding this problem is that without the opportunity to serve on panels women lack profile-building opportunities, which is an important contributor to experience and recognition.
  • Alan Victor – Health Safety and Wellness Coordinator, School of the Environment
    Regardless of job, task or position, women should be given the opportunity to 'have a go'. They should also be appraised and rewarded without gender bias.
  • Jaramar Villarreal – PhD candidate, School of the Environment
  • Catarina von Hertzen – Projects and Operations Manager, School of Economics
  • Annari de Waal – Casual Academic, School of Economics
  • Rosie Wagner – Senior Research Fellow, UQ Regional Training Hub Southern Queensland
    It's logical. Go Team Equity!
  • Dr Adam Walker – Program Officer, Queensland Brain Institute
    Diversity is important and we must all make active efforts to confront bias and drive change to increase women's representation.
  • Dr Nicole Walker – Dr, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences
    Inequality has such negative consequences. Historically, when we work together we have overcome great adversity and initiated change. The Merle pledge unites us with steps towards change.
  • Ruby Wallace – Content Development Officer, Global Engagement and Entrepreneurship
    Representation matters.
  • Dr Ann Wallin – Lecturer, Business School
    Diversity and equity are fundamental principles required to respond and adapt to our future challenges. I am committed to supporting gender equity as a small step on the path towards a more equitable future.
  • Dr Steve Wallis – Head of Bioanalysis, UQCCR
    I am proud to make this pledge.
  • Tillie Walsh – Manager, Careers Team, Faculty of Business, Economics and Law
    This is something very close to my heart. The impact that a diverse group of people, with diverse experiences and skills sets bring can only bring exceptional outcomes for an organisation.
  • Dr Jie Wang – Senior Lecturer, Business School
    One day, I got a thoughtful and inspiring book for my daughter. The book was written by another mother and daughter, titled 'Girls Can Fly'. My little girl enjoys reading this loudly together with me, "Girls can fly, Stretch out your arms, Aim for your dreams, Believe in your wings, Breathe in the sky - Fly high!" I would encourage all the female students, colleagues, daughters and mums including myself to sing this loudly - 'Girls can fly'.
  • Siyu Wang – Senior Manager, Global Strategy and Partnerships (acting), Global Engagement and Entrepreneurship
    I support gender equality and strongly support women in professional workplaces, particularly working mothers, single mums and women with disadvantaged backgrounds.
  • Professor James Ward – Professor, UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health
    It's the right thing to do, to change and challenge the all too often gender imblance in society, institutions and fora.
  • Dr Selina Ward – Senior Lecturer, School of Biological Sciences
    Because without this level of equity we miss out on so much talent. It is time to reconsider what we look for in leadership and management styles for better results and fresh new thinking and approaches.
  • Vanetta Warren – HR Advisor, Central Services
    With a history working in male dominated industries, I am a strong advocate for promoting women in these fields in an effort to increase diversity and promote the many benefits of this to organisations.
  • Sarah Waters – Administration Officer, ASD Examinations
    We all deserve to have equal opportunities.
  • Kevin Wathen-Dunn​ – Director, Biological Resources
    Equity is something that can’t be assumed and needs to be actively reinforced.​
  • Professor James Watson​ – Professor, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science
    Getting these simple things right is just so important. We have slept walked around this issue for too long!
  • James Watson​ – Professor, SEES
    It's very important!
  • Bronwyn Webb – UQ Business School
  • Roger Wepf – Director, Center for Microscopy and Microanalysis (CMM)
    I took the Merle Pledge because it is the right thing to do and sometimes liberation for equal opportunities needs an "equity lift".
  • Jo Wernyjowska – Acting Project Manager, ITaLI
  • Dr Ellen Wessel – Lecturer, School of Public Health
  • Rachel Westbury – Publications Editor, Marketing and Communication
    Women represent half of the world's population, and it's so incredibly important that events in the professional domain reflect this gender balance.
  • Karen Wheeler – School Manager, School of Social Science
    I am committed to equitable representation in all UQ activities and events. By being more conscious and united, we can create a better world.
  • Kate Whelan – Strategic Projects Officer, Global Engagement & Entrepreneurship
    Championing representation of women and gender diversity is vital to fostering an equitable, inclusive and healthy culture. When voices and perspectives that reflect society in all its shapes and forms are valued and included, society as a whole benefits. Affirmative action can be instrumental in removing barriers to participation and effecting positive change.
  • Professor Andrew White – Director, Centre for Engineered Quantum Systems, Faculty of Science
    Every year on (or near) 31st March I show my first-year students photos of Rosalie Bognor & Merle Thornton when at UQ, shock the students with the law at the time, and discuss how as university students *they* will go on to change the world for the better. I highlight that within 50 years Queensland had:
    • the first majority female ministry in Australia
    • the first female party leader to win from opposition
    • the only state with two female premiers.
  • Harvey Whiteford – Professor, School of Public Health
  • Dr Jake Whitehead – Tritium E-Mobility Fellow, UQ Dow Centre/Civil Engineering
    We all have an important role to play to achieve true gender equality. We must walk the walk, not just talk the talk.
  • Dr Deanne Whitworth – Senior Lecturer, School of Veterinary Science
    Although women represent 47% of the workforce, they are significantly under-represented in leadership roles at universities and across the STEM disciplines. Achieving equal representation requires proactive measures – such as The Merle Pledge!
  • Stephen Wilcox – Library staff, UQ Library
    This is a brave step by UQ and I am proud to stand with it and alongside my female colleagues.
  • Kim Wilkins – Associate Professor, Communication and Arts
  • Shelley Wilkinson – Associate Professor, Human Movements and Nutrition Sciences
  • Caroline Williams – University Librarian, UQ Library
    I am proud to take the Merle pledge because I believe that it is an important contribution to paving the way for women to succeed everywhere in every way.
  • Professor David John Williams – Professor of Geotechnical Engineering, The University of Queensland
    By embracing gender equality, we maximise the potential to have the very best contributions to society possible!
  • Stephen Williams – Deputy Director, QAAFI (Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation)
  • Dr Dino Willox – Director, Student Employability – Student Affairs Division
    "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced" – James Baldwin.
    If we fail to act or use our voice to challenge systems of inequity and injustice then we are complicit in their maintenance.
  • Joshua Wilson – PhD Student, School of Biological Sciences
  • Dr Louise Wilson – Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Public Health
  • Dr Greg Winslett – Deputy Director, Digital Learning, ITaLI
    Because resolving systematic inequalities and representation benefits us all - and, for what it's worth - my career has been jam-packed with women who have supported me, challenged me and made my professional life so much richer.
  • Ms Madonna Witham – Duchesne - Residential College
  • Jennifer Witheriff – Organisational development consultant, Human Resources
    The richness of women’s voices needs to be heard in all forums of influence and power.
  • Ms Emily Wood – Research Assistant, Northside Clinical Unit
    Women should be equally represented and heard.
  • Rebekah Woodward – Information and Knowledge Management Coordinator, Business School
  • Brad Woodworth​ – Research Fellow, School of Biological Sciences
  • Charlotte Woody​ – Research Officer, School of Public Health
  • Dr Belinda Worland – Senior Research Assistant, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation
  • Dr Elizabeth Worrall​ – Research Assistant, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation
  • Hanne Worsoe – PhD student, School of Social Science
    I am a woman, and as I age, I see less women like myself in employment, and anecdotally, many of my female friends my age cannot find work. I see age, gender, and ethnicity/race intersect to exclude older women in emerging junior academic roles. Women are more likely to be seen as 'too old', whereas men of my age are more commonly considered 'senior' and experienced'.
  • Associate Professor Helen Wozniak – Academic Lead Assessment, Office of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine
    I believe in the importance of gender equity and the power of a collective commitment within our university community.
  • Ms Stephanie Wyeth FPIA – Professional Planner in Residence and Senior Lecturer, Office of Medical Education, School of Architecture, Design and Planning
    I have taken the Merle Pledge because values of equity, diversity and inclusion need to be fought for and require constant attention by individuals as well as organisations. Our cities and communities will only become sustainable, prosperous, vibrant and liveable if we include 'all voices' in their planning, design and management.
  • Mehmet Yildirimoglu – Lecturer, School of Civil Engineering
  • Melissa Youlden​ – Senior Planning Coordinator, Business School
    I take the Merle pledge in honour of all those who have encouraged me, inspired me and left a positive, indelible impression on me.
  • Ashleigh Young – Events and Sponsorship Coordinator, Marketing and Communication
  • Associate Professor Diana Young – Director Museum Studies Masters Program, School of Social Science
    I take the Merle pledge because recent research confirms that organisations do better (and are more profitable) with gender equity. I support the right of all women to have equal opportunities for development in their careers.
  • Professor Zhiguo Yuan​ – Professor, Advanced Water Management Centre
  • Sobia Zafar – Senior Lecturer, School of Dentistry
    I believe in gender equality. Being an Asian academic female, I felt that I have been discriminated. I want to enhance the visibility and contribution of women in national and international forums.
  • Esmi Zajaczkowski – PhD Student, Queensland Brain Institute
  • Angelique Zamora – Associate Lecturer, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work
    I believe voices should be heard and listened to equally, regardless of gender.
  • Nicole Zanyat – Advancement Manager, Faculty of Medicine
    Without a significant number of staff taking the Merle Pledge, we will not see the necessary change.
  • Valentin Zelenyuk – Professor, School of Economics
  • Professor Daniel Zizzo – Academic Dean and Head of School, School of Economics
    I am taking the Merle Pledge, both personally and in my role as Head of the School of Economics, because of the critical importance of fostering gender equality within the Economics profession, which is historically gender imbalanced and needs more women and more women leaders.
Women finding success podcast

The Women Finding Success podcast is an initiative of the SAGE Athena SWAN Project at The University of Queensland (UQ) in Brisbane, Australia.

Each episode of the series features inspiring interviews from women who have found success in academic and professional roles at UQ. These women are resilient, smart, proactive, and, more importantly, they’re now working together to implement systemic changes to the University’s culture.

Their goal is to make career progression in all fields more achievable for women.

Listen in weekly to be inspired to break down barriers and challenge expectations.

The series will launch on 8 March 2021 – International Women’s Day – as a timely celebration and reminder of the amazing things women can achieve.

This podcast is produced by UQ Library’s Scholarly Soup podcast team.

Episode 9 – Dr Rebecca Olive

17 May 2021

On this week’s episode of the Women Finding Success podcast, 2020 UQ Ally Award winner Dr Rebecca Olive from the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences discusses her ARC DECRA Fellowship, her work with the UQ Ally Network, and her respect and passion for oceans and blue spaces.

Listen now

Episode 8 – Associate Professor Remi Ayoko

10 May 2021

In this episode of the Women Finding Success podcast, Associate Professor Remi Ayoko discusses her research in online work, physical work environments and managing conflict in teams, her own career journey from Nigeria to Australia and the wisdom she has learnt. This insightful discussion is an inspiring must-listen.

Listen now

Episode 7 – Professor Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop

27 April 2021

In this episode of the Women Finding Success podcast, Professor Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop AO shares the challenges she's faced in academia and the field of physics, and achievements she's made during a long and successful career.

Listen now

Episode 6 – Dr Sally Shrapnel

19 April 2021

In this episode of the Women Finding Success podcast, Dr Sally Shrapnel discusses how she transitioned from 20 years as a medical practitioner to the world of academia, quantum physics and machine learning.

Listen now

Episode 5 – Professor Janeen Baxter

12 April 2021

In this episode of the Women Finding Success podcast, Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course Professor Janeen Baxter discusses how social disadvantages affect people’s life course, gender inequalities in career progression and family dynamics, as well as her own career journey and achievements.

Listen now

Episode 4 – Professor Bronwyn Harch

29 March 2021

In this episode of the Women Finding Success podcast, UQ's Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Bronwyn Harch discusses her career journey and the knowledge she’s learned through experiences in research and higher education, and the importance of creating opportunities for people around research and innovation.

Listen now

Episode 3 – Professor Neena Mitter

22 March 2021

In this episode of the Women Finding Success podcast, UQ's Professor Neena Mitter talks about her journey and career as a researcher from Delhi to Australia, her respect for food and agriculture, and the impact her research has on sustainable solutions for food supply and crop protection.

Listen now

Episode 2 – Dr Marnee Shay

15 March 2021

In this episode of the Women Finding Success podcast, UQ's Dr Marnee Shay discusses the challenges she's faced in academia, her work with disengaged youth, and her mission to close the gap in Indigenous education and improve Indigenous education policy.

Listen now

Episode 1 – Professor Deborah Terry AO

8 March 2021

In this first episode of the Women Finding Success podcast series, UQ's first-ever woman Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Debbie Terry, discusses challenges she's faced, wisdom she's received and achievements she's made during a long and successful career. Her inspiring journey of success in the higher education sector is a must-listen.

Listen now

Teaser episode: Introducing the Women Finding Success Podcast

1 March 2021

In this teaser introduction to this podcast series, UQ’s Dr Jacqui Romero and Dr Elena Danilova discuss the SAGE Athena SWAN gender equity project at UQ, and what to expect from this inspiring and enlightening series about women finding success in professional and academic roles in higher education and research institutions.

Listen now

Want to get involved in staff diversity and inclusion initiatives at UQ?

The UQ Gender Steering Committee welcomes feedback and suggestions from UQ staff.

ideals@uq.edu.au