Women physicists from across the campus came together last week to change the culture and create a better work environment for the women-identifying members of the school. 

Sixty-one women joined the full-day event, undergraduates and PhD students up to distinguished professors, from the Research School of Physics, and the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, for networking, prizes, jobs and community-building.

“I was really excited and proud to see so much talent in one room,” said co-organiser Dr Noemie Bastidon.

“It was a window on the future for our guests. We had four great speakers with very different backgrounds that provided insights on their careers in an intimate setting.”

The event was sponsored by RSPhys, RSAA, CQC2T, Astro 3D, FLEET, TMOS, M3D, CGA, OzGrav and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics.

“We’d like to thank our sponsors, who made the event possible - and more sponsors are needed for us to grow,” said Dr Bastidon.

The day began with a webinar from Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith, Australian Government Women in STEM Ambassador who spoke about programs for women in STEM, and the importance of reviewing them.

Inspiring shorter talks took place in the afternoon, where Distinguished Professor Susan Scott, Professor Fiona Jenkins and Dr Mary Gray encouraged the audience to build networks of support instead of competition.

The student poster prize was won by Shiyu Wei from Materials Physics, for her poster entitled InP Nanowire Array for Gas Sensor Applications, who took home $200.

The winner of the Women in Physics logo competition was also announced, with Dige Wang from Quantum Science and Technology being selected for her atom-inspired design.

Along the way the organisers polled the audience on their experiences as women in physics, to build up data for a publication on equity and diversity.

The day concluded with a job fair involving 11 employers showcasing vacant positions, from start ups, through centres of excellence to research departments. 

Aside from the practical aspects, there was an air of celebration, said co-organiser Dr Julie Tournet.

“We have been building a community of Women in Physics for almost two years now and this is an occasion to celebrate our achievements and our bonds. A well-deserved party for our friends, mentors and colleagues!” she said.

The committee is seeking more volunteers to join and help build the program.