Women in the Australian chemistry industry will again have an opportunity to transform their STEM careers through the 2024 Chemistry Australia CEW Woman Leader in STEM scholarship.

Chemistry Australia is pleased to announce it will again partner with Chief Executive Women (CEW) to enable an emerging woman leader in the chemistry sector to attend the Women Transforming Leadership Program at Oxford University in the United Kingdom.

An initiative of the Chemistry Australia Board, and funded by its Board member companies, the Chemistry Australia CEW Woman Leader in STEM scholarship is open to employees of Chemistry Australia member companies and their supply chain partners, and candidates from the chemistry industry nationally.

Applicants must be employed in a mid- to senior executive role with 5-10 years of senior leadership experience and have the endorsement of a senior manager or Board member.

Applications for the scholarship are now open on the CEW website.

Chemistry Australia CEO Samantha Read said it is a great pleasure to offer this incredible experience to women in the Australian chemistry industry once again.

“The scholarship is an excellent opportunity for a woman leader in our industry to take the next step in her career and contribute to the transformation of our dynamic and strategically important sector,” said Ms Read.

“Even if you have applied previously, we encourage you to re-apply for the 2024 scholarship, and open up new leadership opportunities for your career in chemistry.”

CEW Chair, Scholarships Committee Deidre Willmott said women are substantially underrepresented in both STEM education and STEM careers, with women holding fewer than 10 per cent of leadership positions in STEM related industries.

“In answer to this imbalance, we are proud to launch the 2024 Chemistry Australia CEW Woman Leader in STEM Scholarship, which is an amazing opportunity for a woman leader to study at Oxford Said Business School,” Ms Willmott said.

Last year’s scholarship recipient, Kira McGrath, Manager – Manufacturing Technology at Orica Australia, said she encourages any mid-career female leaders considering applying for the scholarship to embrace the opportunity.

“What are you waiting for?  Like me, you have everything to gain and nothing to lose so put your best foot forward and apply,” said Ms McGrath.

Kira found the scholarship to be a fantastic chance to advance her leadership skills and build her professional networks.

“The scholarship was amazing, and I gained some enlightening insights during my time at Said Business School at Oxford University.”

“The course provided clarity through reflection and challenged me to push myself outside of my comfort zone. Being awarded this scholarship has elevated my visibility and will have a lasting impact on my career.”

More information about the scholarship can be found at the CEW website.  Nominees can submit their application by Monday 20 May.