Academics who work on energy-related research gathered together for the second ANU Women in Energy (WiE) network meeting to discuss gender-related issues.

The meeting was held in conjunction with the ANU Energy Change Institute’s Open Day on February 12th. Invited speakers and attendees shared their experiences and discussed the scope for improving existing conditions, and prospects for increasing engagement and confidence amongst women in energy.

Keynote speaker Nicola Falcon, General Manager for Forecasting at the Australian Energy Marketing Operator (AEMO) shared her wish “to get more women into the energy industry,” and paid tribute to the women who helped her 25 years ago.

Falcon’s enthusiasm and aspiration resonate with Professor Kylie Catchpole, Chair of the ANU WiE network.

“My mum was an academic at a time when it was really difficult. When she went in for an interview at a university, she was asked if she was a feminist because they thought that if she was then she would probably not like to be there. So it gives you an idea of how much attitudes have changed. She just quietly did her own thing and inspired me to follow in that path,” said Professor Catchpole. “I am keen to provide opportunities for women as Professor Andrew Blakers did for me when I was a junior academic. I recognise the power of helping people step up to opportunities.

“We are going through a complete societal transition in the way we use energy. A transition that maybe happens once a century – like moving from horses and carts to cars. We need women to fully participate in this transition to create a new society that suits everyone and not just part of the population,” she said.

“At ECI, we recognise that women are a minority in this research area, can feel isolated and are sometimes reluctant to raise their hands to speak in events.”

The WiE network hopes to improve this situation in multiple ways.

“This network aims to bring women together and create a sense of community. We want to provide them with mentorship and leadership opportunities that build upon their existing professional networks” said Professor Catchpole. “And overall, to increase the visibility of the great work that women in energy are doing at ANU.”

The Women in Energy network is a cross-disciplinary initiative open to all ANU academics who work in the field of energy. The Women in Energy committee is comprised of Professor Kylie Catchpole (Chair); Professor Ken Baldwin, Dr Fiona Beck, Associate Professor Carolyn Hendriks and Dr Marnie Shaw. Women in Energy events and opportunities are promoted by the ANU Energy Change Institute.

The Clean Energy Council Women in Renewables has established a speaker database to promote gender diverse panels. The guide is designed to showcase the breadth, expertise and knowledge offered by women in the sector to event organisers. The ANU ECI WiE network is keen to promote our female researchers through the database.  Find out more here: https://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/advocacy-initiatives/women-in-rene...