CSIRO ON Innovation

About the project

We will work in collaboration with the CSIRO ON Innovation Program team, reviewing and analysing program information and undertaking new research and analysis where required, to develop a best practice strategy for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This strategy will take into account best practice, relevant policy, participant and alumni experiences and the future needs of the program.

We will take a mixed methods approach that brings together qualitative and quantitative methodologies to review existing CSIRO ON Innovation Program material; engage with participants, alumni, staff, stakeholders and our existing strong network in innovation programs (e.g. through surveys, discussions or interviews); and engage with the global evidence base on research commercialisation and innovation accelerators for best practice insights and guidance.

We will pay attention to aspects such as: 

• accessibility (e.g., built/facility accessibility, timing, materials, learning platforms); 
• communication (effectiveness at reaching diverse audiences, accessibility); 
• cohort diversity (both current and past cohorts and potential make-up of future cohorts, whether and how CSIRO is fully accessing and connecting with a diversity of participants) 
• policy (any codes of conduct, statements of intent, or participant agreements that might have relevance to DEI) 
• timing (carer-friendly hours, navigating school holidays or days of significance, etc.) 
• information (representative entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, facilitators, teaching material) 
• responsiveness (of CSIRO ON to DEI requests and concerns, of cohort to CSIRO ON requests and concerns) 
• leadership (role modelling DEI, rhetorical commitment, setting the tone)
• actions (experiences of opportunity, support, discrimination or harassment)

CSIRO ON Innovation Program

As Australia's national science agency, CSIRO works with industry, government and the research community to turn science into solutions to address Australia's greatest challenges, including food security and quality; sustainable energy and resources; health and wellbeing; resilient and valuable environments; future industries; and a secure Australia and region.

Since its development in 2015, the CSIRO ON program has delivered training and support to thousands of people. ON exists to help researchers translate their research to impact, providing the skills and confidence needed to understand and achieve the full potential of their research. Through a series of events and experiences, the program provide researchers with the skills and knowledge to realise the pathways to growth, beyond academia and commercialisation.

The Wiyi Yani U Thangani Institute

Based at the Australian National University, WYUT is Australia’s first institute dedicated to advancing the rights, knowledges, and leadership of First Nations women, girls, and gender-diverse peoples as catalysts for systemic change. 

The Institute is founded by June Oscar AO, who led the landmark Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women’s Voices) Project as the former Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission. 

The Institute’s purpose is to elevate First Nations women, girls and gender-diverse peoples' knowledges, lived experience and solutions as crucial to reconstructing more just, sustainable and enabling societies.

As our research partners and organisational affiliates, we are proud to work alongside the WYUT at the ANU to pursue meaningful change for all women, girls and gender-diverse people.