A new collaboration across Australian universities and industry partners is working to ensure a diverse and thriving workforce of Australian technology professionals to solve global problems.
The program aims to improve outcomes for students and staff with disability; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders; women; LGBTIQA+; neurodivergent; from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; from rural, regional and remote areas; and low socio-economic status.
“IDEATE is about Australian universities collectively taking the lead to tackle the systemic barriers that have persisted in technology education and careers for decades,” says Professor Penny Kyburz, IDEATE Steering Committee Chair and Associate Director (Engagement & Impact) at The Australian National University (ANU) School of Computing.
“Despite many isolated initiatives over the years, the systemic barriers remain, and we have not been able to shift the dial on increasing participation from underrepresented groups, such as women, people with disabilities, and regional and rural Australians,” says Professor Kyburz.
The Steering Committee includes representatives from seven Australian universities, as well as industry partners. Steering Committee member Sally-Ann Williams, CEO of Cicada Innovations, was also the Chair of the Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review for the Australian Government.
“The Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review underscores that truly addressing inclusion in the STEM sector demands collaboration. It’s not enough for universities to nurture talent, or for industry to seek it, or for communities to advocate for it in isolation. We must work hand-in-hand, bridging divides to identify and dismantle the structural barriers. By learning from each other’s experiences, challenges, and successes we can forge a more equitable and innovative future for STEM,” says Ms Williams.
“Increasing the success and participation of underrepresented groups in computing research and education will enable computing technologies to be deployed in ways that reflect, serve and support all members of society. IDEATE is a critically important initiative to democratize technology for all,” says Professor Antony Hosking, Director of the ANU School of Computing.
“IDEATE is important for our university because we believe that promoting a diverse and thriving workforce of technology professionals will be better positioned to have a positive impact in society, and universities play a pivotal role in providing diverse and inclusive learning experiences for their students,” says Professor Abelardo Pardo, Head of School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences at The University of Adelaide.
“We know strong university-industry alignment is essential for Australia’s digital future, which is why Google is proud to be an industry partner of the IDEATE program. By collaborating and innovating, we’re building a better technology education system that empowers every student,” said Daniel Nadasi, Principal Engineer, Google Australia and ANU School of Computing Advisory Board Member.
“PentenAmio is proud to support IDEATE as a founding industry partner. Improving access to technology education and careers is essential to building a strong, sovereign pipeline of technical talent that reflects the breadth of perspectives needed to solve the complex challenges of tomorrow,” said PentenAmio Technical Fellow, David Liebowitz.
“Careers in technology are for everyone, and realistically we need everyone to meet the demands and challenges of the future. It is also essential that the technologies that underpin our society are developed by people that represent our broader population. As a collective, we are looking for ways to broaden participation, effectively support and retain diverse cohorts of students, and to create lasting cultural change within and beyond universities,” says Professor Kyburz.
Visit the IDEATE website to learn more about this program