Monash University helped shine a spotlight on gender equity in motorsport and STEM during In Her Corner, an event presented in partnership with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and Engineers Australia.
Designed to break down barriers and promote inclusivity, the event brought together global motorsport leaders, engineers and emerging talent while celebrating the achievements of women shaping the future of STEM.
Speaking at the event, Monash University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Sharon Pickering joined senior leaders and industry figures to reinforce the importance of leadership, visibility and long-term cultural change.
Professor Pickering said initiatives such as In Her Corner were critical in building confidence, resilience and opportunity for women and girls entering traditionally male-dominated fields.
“When women see themselves reflected in leadership and innovation, it shows them what is possible and who belongs,” Professor Pickering said.
“But gender equity in STEM and motorsport is not just about representation, it’s about changing systems so talent can thrive.
“A diversity of voices, skills and experiences is essential to solving complex challenges. We must ensure girls and women know they have a place at the table and are encouraged to step forward.”
Professor Pickering said partnerships between universities, industry and major sporting organisations were essential to accelerating progress.
“The FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2026 gives us a global platform to have these conversations,” she said.
“By working together with industry and professional bodies, we can build an ecosystem of support that extends well beyond a single event. Most of all I want all young women in engineering and STEM to know Monash is in their corner.”
The program featured a series of panel discussions and spotlight sessions led by prominent figures from Formula 1 and engineering, including F1 media presenter and former Head of Race Strategy for Sauber Ruth Buscombe, Formula 1 Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali, and Engineers Australia Chief Engineer Katherine Richards.
Panels explored innovation, leadership and lived experience in motorsport and STEM, offering attendees insights into the challenges women continue to face alongside the opportunities emerging through advocacy, mentorship and institutional change.
The event concluded with a call for sustained collaboration across education, industry and sport to ensure the next generation of women in STEM are supported, visible and empowered.
Institutional focus on gender equity
Monash has also taken a number of institutional steps aimed at improving gender equity across STEM disciplines.
The university supports the Women in STEM Decadal Plan and participates in the SAGE Athena Swan gender equity framework. In 2025, Monash became the first Group of Eight university to receive Athena Swan Silver accreditation.
Since 2018, the university has more than doubled the number of women professors in STEM disciplines and increased the number of women associate professors.
Programs such as the STEMM Women Academic Network provide mentoring, promotion workshops and networking opportunities, while faculty initiatives including Women in Engineering mentoring connect students with alumni and industry professionals.
At the student level, initiatives such as Women in Engineering at Monash help build peer networks, leadership skills and early engagement in engineering careers. Scholarships targeting women entering engineering disciplines are also designed to attract and retain high-achieving students in technical fields.
