Diversity and Inclusion

We proudly support diversity in everything we do.

Not only does this create a more vibrant and enriching environment, but organisations with greater gender diversity and more inclusive cultures have also been shown to perform better across a wide range of measures.

The University of Adelaide welcomes staff and students from all over the world—with many different languages and traditions—and is committed to providing a supportive learning environment and safe campus community for everyone.

We facilitate gender equity and diversity in numerous ways. Our Women in STEM Careers Program, for example, provides valuable professional development opportunities for young women working and/or studying in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

We’re committed to increasing the proportion of female academic staff members, and regularly implement initiatives to recruit high-achievers. This will begin to shift the gender balance within our disciplines and drive significant outcomes across high-impact research, education, partnerships and engagement.

Do you have caring responsibilities?

As a faculty, we support staff and students with caring responsibilities through our Dependant Travel Fund, Research Support Transition Scheme and Parental Leave Scheme.

  • Dependant travel fund

    The Dependant Travel Fund supports faculty staff and HDR students with caring responsibilities to participate in conferences, workshops, field trips and other approved work-related travel, both overseas and in Australia.

    Funding of up to $3,000 per year is available to eligible staff / HDR students (regardless of gender) as a contribution to the travel costs of their dependant or a carer, or to employ a carer at their destination. 

    For more information, please contact: Dr Tina Bianco Miotto, AD, Gender Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. 

  • Research support transition scheme

    For faculty staff coming back from parental leave of at least 12 weeks, we offer the Staff Research Support Transition Scheme.

    The scheme provides funds of up to 0.5 FTE Level A for six months, to be used for professional or research development.

  • HDR extended parental leave scheme

    If you are a higher degree by research student with a stipend scholarship and have been enrolled in the faculty for a period of over 12 months full time (or equivalent half-time), you are eligible to apply for support under the HDR Extended Parental Leave Scheme. 

    The amount of support varies from case to case depending on individual circumstances and the conditions of your stipend scholarships.

    Students must seek advice from the Adelaide Graduate Research School on eligibility requirements prior to submitting an application. 

Outreach and community events

We offer a number of community and outreach events, including our Young Women in STEM and Women in STEM Careers (WiSC) Programs. These programs provide professional development opportunities for young women undertaking STEM degrees at the University of Adelaide.

By visiting the Women in STEM Lounge at our annual events Open Day and Ingenuity; school students can find out what it’s like to study a STEM degree from our current students.

Women in STEM Careers Program

Female students enrolled in a STEM degree at the University of Adelaide (from second year onwards) can apply to participate in the Women in STEM (WiSC) Careers Program.

The program provides professional development opportunities for young women undertaking STEM degrees, through a range of workshops in leadership, career development and entrepreneurship.

The personal development component focuses on confidence, strengths and resilience. 

Our goal is to support female students in becoming well-rounded, industry-ready graduates.

Groups and support services

Whether you’re a staff member or student, we offer a number of groups and services to support you during your time at the University of Adelaide.

  • ALLY network

    The University's ALLY Network provides support and advocacy to people who identify as being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer.

    A number of faculty staff and students are ALLY Network members, and new members are welcome to join at any time.

    You may also like to register for an ALLY Training Workshop.

  • Disability support services

    University study can be particularly challenging if you’re managing a disability or other health condition.

    The University’s Disability Support services will work with you to identify and implement effective ways to accommodate any such constraints, leaving you free to focus your energies on your studies.

  • Women in STEM student society

    The Women in STEM Student Society is a friendly, supportive social network for women and other minority groups studying in STEM-related fields.

    It’s a great way to meet other women—and supporters of diversity—in STEM.

    All are welcome to join.

  • Wirltu Yarlu

    Wirltu Yarlu provides a range of support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and its Student Services Officers can assist you throughout your time at the University.