On the 5th of July 2019, QueersInScience proudly held the first Australian symposium for LGBTQIA+ researchers and their allies working in STEMM.
This symposium showcased and celebrated the outstanding achievements of internationally recognised Australian LGBTQIA+ researchers, provided role models for emerging professionals in STEMM, and promoted awareness and understanding of the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ people in this sector and ways to solve them. It was proudly held at The Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Heald, with networking drinks and poster session held at The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research.
The symposium included:
- Presentations from distinguished LGBTQIA+ speakers from across the STEMM fields, describing their career pathways and highlighting the important scientific and societal impacts that LGBTQIA+ researchers have achieved.
- A panel discussion where invited panellists discussed their lived experience as LGBTQIA+ professionals in STEMM, and how they have approached and overcome challenges.
- A networking drinks and posters session where students and staff presented their research and met the invited speakers and other LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies working in STEMM.
Dr Mohammad Taha won the Scott Johnson Memorial Award at the 2019 symposium.
* The 2019 symposium was named “LGBT STEMM Day Symposium” to communicate its connection to other events being held internationally to celebrate LGBTSTEM Day (05 July, 2019). However, we prefer to use the more inclusive term “LGBTQIA+” when referring to the diverse individuals who will be attending and speaking at the symposium.