Health, social and economic factors do not impact individuals and communities equally.
That’s why equity is at the centre of everything we do at Burnet.
Gender Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) at Burnet
The Burnet 2030 Strategy outlines our formal commitment and plan to improve gender equity, diversity and inclusion at the institute.
We also recognise the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in our research programs, including the populations we study, the research questions we ask, and the methods we use. Our research strives to understand and address the health needs of vulnerable communities in Australia and overseas, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, migrants, and people who inject drugs.
View PrioritiesAbout the Committee
The aim of the GEDI Committee is to promote and improve gender equity, diversity and inclusion across the institute by developing and implementing strategies informed by national and international best practice and staff input.
The GEDI Committee drives initiatives aligned with our 2030 strategic objectives. This encompasses sub-committees, external partnerships, and the execution of Action Plans, including those for Disability and Reconciliation.
The Committee is chaired by Deputy Director – Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Professor Caroline Homer AO, with support from Diversity and Inclusion Manager Ella Shellshear, and the inclusion of our Director and CEO, Professor Brendan Crabb AC. It comprises a broad range of representatives at every level of the Institute.
“Everyone benefits from gender equity, and gender equity leads to better health and medical research, and research outcomes, for the Australian community.”
—Professor Caroline Homer AO, Deputy Director – Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)
Our priorities include:
Values-based culture
Building a culture based on our key values of Respect, Equality, Inclusiveness and Diversity.
Creating opportunity
Investing in job security, gender equity, our Reconciliation Action Plan, and creating opportunities for emerging scientists.
Rewarding careers
Being the aspirational workplace within the sector with ethical values and a culture committed to fostering talent for future leadership and rewarding careers.
Improving Gender Equity through the Athena SWAN Program
Run by Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE), the Athena SWAN program is an accreditation process that rates the gender equity policies and practices of participating organisations and helps them to develop a four-year action plan to address opportunities and challenges.
In 2020, Burnet received an Athena SWAN Bronze Award in recognition of the institute's understanding of its current state of gender equity and commitment to its action plan. This achievement laid a strong foundation for advancing gender equity at Burnet.
As we prepare for the Cygnet Awards, the next stage after the Bronze Award, we aim to further increase the representation of women in senior leadership positions and foster a more inclusive culture for women.
Learn moreCommittee Members
Promoting and improving gender equity, diversity and inclusion across Burnet Institute.
