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  4. Gender Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI)
BURNET Manifesto R5 July 0730

Gender equity, diversity and inclusion (GEDI)

We are committed to creating a workplace and research environment that is inclusive and respectful of all people – regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, ability or sexuality. 

A dedicated committee, that has representation from across the organisation, is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to improve gender equity, diversity and inclusion throughout the institute.

Health, social and economic factors do not impact individuals and communities equally.

That’s why equity is at the centre of everything we do at Burnet.

The Burnet 2030 Strategy outlines our formal commitment and plan to improve gender equity, diversity and inclusion at the institute.

We also recognise the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in our research programs, including the populations we study, the research questions we ask, and the methods we use. Our research strives to understand and address the health needs of vulnerable communities in Australia and overseas, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, migrants, and people who inject drugs.

About the Committee

The aim of the GEDI Committee is to promote and improve gender equity, diversity and inclusion across the institute by developing and implementing strategies informed by national and international best practice and staff input.

The GEDI Committee drives initiatives aligned with our 2030 strategic objectives. This encompasses sub-committees, external partnerships, and the execution of Action Plans, including those for Disability and Reconciliation. 

The Committee is chaired by Deputy Director – Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Professor Caroline Homer AO, with support from Diversity and Inclusion Manager Ella Shellshear, and the inclusion of our Director and CEO, Professor Brendan Crabb AC. It comprises a broad range of representatives at every level of the Institute.

“Everyone benefits from gender equity, and gender equity leads to better health and medical research, and research outcomes, for the Australian community.” 
—Professor Caroline Homer AO, Deputy Director – Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

Our priorities

Values-based culture

Building a culture based on our key values of Respect, Equality, Inclusiveness and Diversity.

Rewarding careers

Being the aspirational workplace within the sector with ethical values and a culture committed to fostering talent for future leadership and rewarding careers.

Creating opportunity

Investing in job security, gender equity, our Reconciliation Action Plan, and creating opportunities for emerging scientists.

Committee members

Professor Caroline Homer AO

Professor Caroline Homer AO

Deputy Director – Gender Equity, Diversity & Inclusion; Co-Head, Global Women's and Newborn Health; Co-Head, Immunisation and Health Systems Strengthening
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 Ella Shellshear

Ella Shellshear

Diversity and Inclusion Manager
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Professor Brendan Crabb AC

Professor Brendan Crabb AC

Director and CEO; Chair Australian Global Health Alliance and Chair Pacific Friends of Global Health
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Chad Hughes

Chad Hughes

Deputy Director, International Operations; Head, International Development
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Dr Claretta D'Souza

Dr Claretta D'Souza

Business Development Manager, Commercialisation and Research Translation (CRT)
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Amy  Williamson

Amy Williamson

Deputy Country Director – Operations (Papua New Guinea)
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Dr Daniel  O'Keefe

Dr Daniel O'Keefe

Senior Project Officer
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Dean Cassano

Dean Cassano

International Health Project Officer
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Geoffrey Chan

Geoffrey Chan

Health Systems and Strategic Information Specialist
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Dr Herbert Opi

Dr Herbert Opi

Senior Research Fellow
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Jason Asselin

Jason Asselin

Co-Head, Surveillance and Data Linkage group
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Kate Mills

Kate Mills

Research Officer
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Dr Michelle Scoullar

Dr Michelle Scoullar

Senior Research Fellow - Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health. Paediatrician.
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Professor Mark A  Stoové

Professor Mark A Stoové

Head of Public Health
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Dr Rebecca Winter

Dr Rebecca Winter

Deputy Head Justice Health Group
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Sophia Schroeder

Sophia Schroeder

Research Officer / Post-doctoral Researcher
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Athena Swan Thumbnail

Improving Gender Equity through the Athena SWAN Program

Run by Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE), the Athena SWAN program is an accreditation process that rates the gender equity policies and practices of participating organisations and helps them to develop a 4-year action plan to address opportunities and challenges.

In 2020, Burnet received an Athena SWAN Bronze Award in recognition of the institute's understanding of its current state of gender equity and commitment to its action plan. This achievement laid a strong foundation for advancing gender equity at Burnet.

As we prepare for the Cygnet Awards, the next stage after the Bronze Award, we aim to further increase the representation of women in senior leadership positions and foster a more inclusive culture for women.

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