Celebrating Innovation and Inclusion: WREN’s 2022/2023 Annual Report Release

As the Women Research Engineers Network (WREN) unveils its 2022/2023 Annual Report,
we take a moment to reflect on a year marked by significant achievements, inspiring events,
and pioneering research initiatives that have furthered our mission to promote gender equity
in engineering and STEM fields. Here’s a glimpse into what WREN has accomplished and
what’s detailed in the newly released report.

Milestones to Celebrate

• A New Digital Hub

One of the standout achievements of 2022/2023 was the launch of the WREN website, a vibrant digital community where research engineers from across the globe can network, collaborate, and access valuable resources. This platform has quickly become a cornerstone of our community, welcoming 87 new members from diverse regions including the ASEAN countries, Australia, Brazil, the UK, and beyond.

• Expanding Global Partnerships

Thanks to the Australia-ASEAN Council grant received in April 2022, WREN has successfully expanded its network, establishing fruitful partnerships with key universities in Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. These collaborations are vital as they enhance our collective efforts to support gender equity in STEM internationally.

Enlightening Events and Workshops

• Celebrating Women in Engineering

International Women in Engineering Day was celebrated with fervor in both Australia and Brazil, featuring events that highlighted the journeys and successes of women engineers and discussed the evolving industry landscape towards greater inclusivity.

• Fostering International Collaboration

The UGPN Annual Conference hosted by WREN included sessions that underscored the importance of international cooperation in STEM fields. Highlights included discussions on successful grant applications and the sharing of experiences by women researchers from the global academic community.

• Professional Development Opportunities

Our workshops, like the “12 Weeks to Publication” facilitated by Hugh Kearns, have equipped participants with crucial skills and knowledge, empowering them to advance their careers and contribute more effectively to their fields.

• WREN 2023 Symposium

A major highlight of the year was the inaugural WREN 2023 Symposium, themed “Collaborating for the Future – Working Towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals.” This event brought together a diverse group of researchers to discuss their contributions towards these goals and explore new collaborations. It was a vibrant forum for sharing innovative ideas and practices, and it underscored WREN’s commitment to global sustainability issues through the lens of gender equity in STEM.

Research Impact and Community Engagement

The report details various research projects focused on understanding and dismantling the barriers faced by women in STEM. Initiatives like the grassroots roadmap for equity-centered leadership at the Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences highlight our commitment to making tangible changes.

Community engagement has seen a remarkable uptick, with increased newsletter subscriptions and active participation across our social media platforms. This growth is a testament to the relevance and impact of our efforts.

Looking Forward

As we share these accomplishments and the comprehensive details found in the 2022 Annual Report, we also look to the future with optimism. The challenges are many, but so are the opportunities to make a difference. We invite all our members, supporters, and the broader community to engage with the report, reflect on our journey, and join us as we continue to strive for a more inclusive and equitable world in engineering and STEM.

Join Us and Make an Impact

We encourage everyone passionate about advancing gender equity in STEM to read the full 2022 Annual Report, available on our website. Your support, whether as a member, collaborator, or advocate, is crucial as we embark on this ongoing journey of change and progress.

Here’s to another year of making significant strides towards a more inclusive and equitable STEM field. Together, we can and will make a difference.