Equity, diversity and inclusion at EQUS

The ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS) recognises that people from marginalised groups continue to face barriers to entry and progression in STEM fields, including quantum, resulting in underrepresentation of these groups.  We also acknowledge the long-standing and systemic inequities and injustices people from such groups face daily.

Everyone has a right to be treated fairly and to study and work in an environment free from discrimination and harassment.  Unfortunately, many people from underrepresented groups continue to experience harassment and discrimination in the workplace, with certain groups experiencing much more exclusion than others.  We recognise the role of intersectionality in the levels of inclusion and exclusion each person experiences.

EQUS is committed to improving equity, diversity and inclusion within our Centre, at our partner institutions and in the wider quantum physics community.  Our goal is to provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment which allows all our members to achieve success, and to feel respected and supported.

As a strategic priority, we have established a dedicated committee—the EQUIP (equity in quantum physics) committee—to drive initiatives towards achieving EQUS’ equity, diversity and inclusion goals.  The EQUIP committee works across all our nodes, providing resources and activities to educate and support our members.

Our initiatives include:

• Deborah Jin fellowships
• Primary carer support and re-entry awards
• Individual or group sponsorship.  EQUS offers sponsorship for EQUS members to participate in or organise activities that improve or promote equity, diversity and inclusion at EQUS or in the broader community.
• Event sponsorship. EQUS accepts requests to sponsor events that are relevant and beneficial to our members.  We are particularly interested in sponsoring events or activities that promote diversity and inclusion in STEM.  Some recent and upcoming sponsorships include:
  • CLEO PR 2020: equity, diversity and inclusion workshop
  • Scholarships for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and people identifying as LGBTQIA+ to attend Science and Technology Australia’s Science Meets Parliament event
  • IPSC2022: equity, diversity and inclusion in semiconductor physics networking event
• EQUS allies: EQUS members who have completed LGBTQIA+ ally training at their institution are indicated by a rainbow EQUS logo on their EQUS profiles
• Inclusive meetings and events policy
• Guidelines for inclusive position descriptions
• Code of conduct

If there are any issues you'd like to raise or actions you'd like to see taken by EQUS, or if you'd like to join the EQUIP committee, please contact us. 

In addition to the support and resources available at EQUS, you can find support at your node.  We've also compiled some resources relating to anti-discrimination and allyship.