3M Australia
International Women’s Day not only belongs to one specific country, group or organization. It belongs to the collective, everywhere. Each year, on March 8, people around the globe come together to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, in addition to raising awareness around the need to accelerate women’s equality.
As part of 3M’s commitment to providing an inclusive workplace for all employees, they have been promoting Women in STEM in the Asia Pacific Region with a few of their programs running below.
Eureka Prizes – Australian Museum
Each year, 3M sponsor the “Emerging Leader in Science” award as part of the Australian Museum’s Eureka Prizes. Last year, 3M awarded Melody Ding the prize of AU$10,000 to honour and support her continuing work in her STEM field. While
this award is not restricted to female nominees only, 3M have awarded a female in 2019 and also in 2018...read more.
Australian Academy of Science
In 2019, 3M provided US$35,000 to the Australian Academy of Science to run the 2019 Science at the Shine Dome Schools Program. This program brought 10 Science Extension NSW students and 10 of their teachers to Canberra to participate in the Academy’s annual Science at the Shine Dome event. The students and teachers participated in workshops, seminars, and breakout sessions in addition to having the opportunity to meet and be inspired by Australia’s top scientists. The criteria for this program ensured that at least 5/10 of the students were female (in the end, 7/10 were female)...read more.
In May 2020, the program will run again, sponsored by 3M with US$70,000. This year, 3M will invite 12 students and 12 of their teachers with the same 50/50 gender split/quota requirement.
FIRST Robotics
3M has also sponsored Pymble Ladies College FIRST Robotics team for 2020. This is an all-female team made up of over 70 students from grades 5 to 12 who work on building a robot for the annual FIRST Robotics competitions. They have competed nationally and also internationally in the past and have ambitious goals to do the same again this year. 3M has sponsored the team with US$5,000 and Kosta K.
from 3M’s Australian office technical team will be volunteering his time and expertise to enhance their project and learning experience throughout the year.
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