30 July 2018
Ten new internships announced under a continuing partnership between the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute’s (AMSI) APR.Intern program and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) will accelerate engagement of women in statistical research innovation.
Following the previous placement of seven PhDs, ten new internships will roll out over the next year. With each project running for up to five months, the PhDs will undertake specialist research within ABS teams to complement academic expertise with essential industry soft skills.
With women accounting for only 16 per cent of Australia’s current STEM workforce, the internships will be delivered by APR.Intern under the Australian Government’s $28.2 million Supporting more women in STEM careers: Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI)—National Research Internship Program (NRIP).
AMSI Director, Professor Geoff Prince said the ongoing collaboration reflects the strengthening relationship between the two organisations and the strong value placed on Australian postgraduate research expertise to advance innovation.
“These additional opportunities with the ABS will provide STEM PhDs, particularly women who are underrepresented in these fields, essential opportunities to gain experience while driving commercial research,” he said.
Welcoming the announcement, Deputy Australian Statistician, Census and Data Services Group at the ABS, Teresa Dickinson said the placements would expand ABS’ statistical research capability through access to some of Australia’s brightest research specialists.
“We are delighted to offer these opportunities to build Australia’s STEM capability and foster gender equity in Australian innovation in partnership with AMSI’s APR.Intern program,” she said.
“I have been fortunate enough to peruse an interesting career as a woman in STEM and support this initiative. I hope to see other woman’s careers in STEM benefitted from this opportunity.”
“The ABS is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce. Women can expect to have fulfilling careers at the ABS, helping to to inform Australia’s important decisions and contributing tobetter policy outcomes for the Australian community.”
Media Contact: Laura Watson
E: media@amsi.org.au
P: 0421 518 733
