TMOS believes that diversity increases productivity and innovation. Diversity and fostering a culture of inclusiveness will be a key contributor to the scientific excellence of TMOS. The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Committee will initiate and implement numerous strategies around recruiting (this will include bias/diversity training and careful consideration of research opportunity), mentoring and career development and support of researchers through carer grants and other initiatives.
The five Australian host universities of TMOS have achieved Athena SWAN Bronze Awards.
TMOS will address the pipeline issue by sparking an interest in children starting from primary school to discover the wonders of science and consider STEM as a career option. We will also work with Science and Technology Australia (STA), Australian Academy of Science (AAS) and Technology and Engineering (ATSE) to support and promote their initiatives such as STEM Women and Superstars of STEM.
Our Commitments
- Conscious and unconscious bias and inclusiveness training for all TMOS researchers
- Targeted recruitments and eliminating exclusive or gendered language and content in job ads and descriptions
- Research positions available on a part-time or with a flexible arrangement basis to attract the best possible applicants
- Having diverse and appropriately trained panels for recruitment
- Reflecting gender and cultural diversity among speakers at all TMOS workshops and promoting equality at national and international conferences/events in which TMOS will be involved
- Identifying and addressing any diversity issues in industry placements
- Building equity and diversity into mentoring for postdoctoral researchers and postgraduate students
- Ensuring TMOS workplaces and events are family-friendly, e.g. by funding childcare at events
- Considering equity principles when nominating TMOS members for external prizes and fellowships
- Building on and supporting activities by Science and Technology Australia, the AAS and ATSE, such as Superstars of STEM and the Decadal Plan for Women in STEM.