By Georgia Barrington-Smith
From 1–5 December 2025, the Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship (WISE) School brought together 64 students from 25 AINSE member institutions for a week of inspiration, learning and community-building. The program, delivered annually by AINSE, supports women pursuing careers in STEM fields, particularly within nuclear science and engineering, by offering targeted learning experiences and access to leading researchers, professionals and mentors.
A program connecting students nationwide
The 2025 WISE School adopted a hybrid model, with the first three days held online, followed by an immersive two-day in-person program for 22 nominated students at ANSTO’s Lucas Heights campus. This structure enabled broad participation while still offering hands-on experiences and networking opportunities for selected students.
Throughout the five-day event, students took part in an extensive program of presentations, panel discussions, tours, and workshops designed to strengthen their confidence, build their skill sets, and broaden their understanding of STEM career pathways.
Inspiring presentations from STEM and business leaders
A central highlight of the WISE School was the series of dynamic presentations and Q&A sessions delivered by established leaders from across the Australian and New Zealand STEM and business communities. This year’s keynote speakers brought a wealth of expertise and personal insight, offering students a diverse look at career pathways, leadership, and resilience within the STEM landscape.
The speaker lineup included:
- A/Prof. Caroline Tiddy, Associate Professor in Geoscience at the University of South Australia, who shared her research journey and the importance of adaptability and curiosity in scientific careers.
- Kali Goldstone, an international human rights lawyer whose fierce advocacy for vulnerable communities, and powerful presence, set a compelling and inspiring tone for the program’s opening.
- Helen Cook, a leading nuclear science lawyer, who discussed being a parent, business owner and an international expert in Nuclear Law
- Chloe Rout, Research Agronomist at Living Farm, PhD student and AINSE alumna, who spoke about navigating early-career research and the challenges during study.
- Carol Tadros, ANSTO’s Science Research Leader for the Environmental Change Science Program, who shared her journey of motherhood while continuing to follow her passion for science.
- Angela Salcedo, STEM professional, entrepreneur and founder of the luxury, science-inspired jewellery brand Salceology, who shared her story of creative tenacity and turning scientific passion into a business venture.
- Michelle Durant, Managing Director of AINSE, who reflected on leadership, her personal STEM journey, and the ongoing importance of supporting women in STEM across Australia and New Zealand.
These presentations provided students with both technical insights and personal perspectives, helping them understand the broad range of opportunities, including the diverse types of leadership found within STEM careers.
Exploring ANSTO’s world-class facilities
Students were taken on a Discovery Centre Tour of ANSTO, delivered both virtually and onsite. The tour featured key scientific facilities including the OPAL Multipurpose Reactor, the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering, ANSTO Nuclear Medicine, and the Centre for Accelerator Science. This inside look at Australia’s national nuclear science and technology organisation offered participants a unique understanding of the real-world applications of STEM research.
Students also heard from AINSE partner organisations, including Women in Nuclear (WiN) Australia, represented by Oceania Representative Jasmin Diab, and the ANSTO Ignite Network.
Engaging panels and Q&A sessions
AINSE hosted three panel discussions to support student development from multiple angles:
- Uni Life and Beyond Panel – featuring former AINSE Winter School scholars and a current AINSE Pathway Scholar, offering practical guidance on navigating the academic landscape.
- WISE Alumnae Panel – a Q&A-style session led by former WISE scholars reflecting on their experiences and how the program shaped their pathways.
- Science Communication Panel – with Dr Helen Maynard-Casely (ANSTO), Dr Jennifer Stansby (UNSW), and Dr Tom Cresswell (ANSTO), who explored the challenges of communicating complex scientific ideas and strategies for improving clarity and confidence.
Hands-on learning and professional connections
In-person participants took part in a Design Thinking Workshop delivered by the nandin Design and Innovation Team, applying creative problem-solving methods to real-world challenges.
A standout moment of the in-person program was a drop-in Q&A session with the ANSTO Board, featuring CEO Shaun Jenkinson, Board Chair Michael Quigley, and Rear Admiral Katherine Richards AM CSC, Chief Engineer of Engineers Australia and ANSTO Board member. Their candid discussion on STEM leadership and championing women in the field left a lasting impact on participants.
Building community and celebrating STEM
The Meet the Mentors Networking Event, held both online and on campus, gave students the opportunity to connect with their ANSTO and university mentors and meet the AINSE team who will support the 2025–2026 WISE cohort throughout their mentorship journey.
Students also took part in the lively “Defend Your Discipline” activity, where they creatively showcased the value of their scientific field through performances, skits, posters, songs and poems, a fun and memorable reminder that science communication can take many forms.
Acknowledgements
AINSE extends sincere thanks to all ANSTO and AINSE staff who contributed to the success of the 2025 WISE School, and especially to the ANSTO and university members who have volunteered their time to mentor the WISE cohort throughout 2025–2026. Their commitment helps foster the next generation of women leaders in STEM.