Committed to diversity and inclusion
Our promise
AusBiotech launched its diversity and inclusion commitment statement in October 2018. The following set of principles on diversity and inclusion were developed as an important first step in leading efforts to attract the best and brightest talent from diverse backgrounds to biotech careers, and foster an inclusive industry culture.
AusBiotech commits itself to, and encourages the industry to follow, these principles on diversity and inclusion:
- AusBiotech believes that diversity in all aspects of business operations will optimise the continued growth and success of the life sciences industry.
- AusBiotech will champion diversity and inclusion as a way to attract, develop and retain the employee talent pool within the globally competitive industry.
- AusBiotech will lead by example and be outward-facing in its diversity efforts, and will incorporate diversity and inclusion into all aspects of operations: in communications and membership engagement, at events through programming and education, and in the composition of the Board of Directors and its committees.
- AusBiotech will engage with external partners to broaden the reach and incorporation of diversity throughout the biotechnology ecosystem.
Definitions
For purposes of these principles, the following terms shall have the meanings below:
- Diversity is defined as the wide-range of similarities and differences among persons and perspectives.
- Inclusion is defined as the process of creating a business culture and environment that recognises and effectively leverages the talents, skills, and perspectives of diverse employees.
Gender diversity
Women have steadily been working towards an equal representation in life sciences and to have their contribution to our sector recognised. Recent figures show that efforts to support women in life sciences are reaping results, but we’re not there yet in achieving equity.
At the 2017 J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco, it was reported that there were more men named Michael (22) than female CEOs (20) giving company presentations.
Our Biotechnology Sector Snapshot 2022 shows that, on average, women represent 50 per cent of the workforce across the entire sector; however women are under-represented in industry, representing only 35 per cent of the workforce. And this figure dwindles as seniority levels increases.
The image above shows the average percentage female distribution across industry and various seniority levels in 2017 (light coloured bars), 2019 , and 2022 (darkest bars).
We challenge ourselves to rebalance the gender equity scales and will track and report on this. AusBiotech launched its diversity and inclusion statement In October 2018: an important first step in a wider programme of work aimed at attracting the best and brightest talent from diverse backgrounds to biotech careers, and at fostering an inclusive industry culture.
Measures and tracking of gender representation on AusBiotech committees and conference programmes was completed in July 2019; and strategies to rebalance the scales were developed for transition existing committees, where appropriate. As at May 2023, AusBiotech committees have a 43/57 per cent split, and the spotlight remains on evening up participation. We are also extremely proud to deliver notably gender-diverse programmes of speakers and chairs across our premier conferences, AusMedtech and AusBiotech, achieving a 50/50 split.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, AusBiotech continues to host a growing and annual NSW Women in Life Sciences Luncheon, with more than 550 delegates in attendance. Connecting the community, the Luncheon discusses how we can encourage, support, and further develop women in the life sciences to achieve a more equal standing.
AusBiotech also offers practical and tangible opportunities for women advanced in their careers to support gender equity of life sciences, and to support women in the early stages of their careers through its ‘Big Sisters/Little Sisters’ programme. A number of Little Sisters are sponsored to attend the Women in Life Sciences Luncheon, network during the event, and receive an annual AusBiotech membership. The quality of applications and feedback from ‘Little Sister’ applicants shows enormous vision and commitment.