NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2025

Women remain underrepresented in science careers and healthcare leadership despite their growing engagement in STEM secondary education. Now is the time to support them in their career journey towards leadership in the life sciences.

At Research Australia we are committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive health and medical research workforce. For the Australian HMR sector to thrive, it needs a workforce that is diverse and equitable; that is truly reflective of Australian society. That is why we are working with our partner, AbbVie, to deliver the second instalment of the Future Health Leaders Program after last year’s successful launch.

The Future Health Leaders Program is designed to inspire female high school students to enter a career in health and medical research, innovation and life sciences. The program will bring together twelve Year 11 science students from across Australia for a full-day event in Canberra in August 2025 to:

        • Showcase the diversity of career pathways in health and medical research
        • Inspire a passion for a career in health and medical research
        • Meet with exceptional female leaders in research, education, industry and government
        • Get some hands-on experience in world-class science facilities.

The immersion day in Canberra will include:

        • A session in Parliament House, including a panel discussion and Q&A with inspiring female leaders in the health and medical research sector
        • A formal session with parlimentarians, where students will have the opportunity to connect with leading women in the Australian Government
        • Exclusive access to one of Australia’s best science facilities, with the opportunity to talk to female researchers about their exciting work in fields like health, biosecurity, and much more, and learn about their career journeys
        • The opportunity to participate in hands-on research activities

The program will also provide opportunities to engage beyond the day in Canberra with several virtual sessions, mentoring participants on topics relevant to their future studies.


📝 APPLY NOW FOR THE 2025 FUTURE HEALTH LEADERS PROGRAM

Applications close Tuesday, 22 April 2025, 11:59pm AEST.

Last year’s program was a success and saw a group of Year 11 students develop meaningful connections with each other and current female leaders in research, education, clinical roles, policy and industry. Here are some thoughts from our past participants on the program:

‘I found the Female Future Health Leader Program to be incredibly insightful. It was a valuable experience learning lots from the amazing, inspiring speakers, as well as exploring the variety of programs in the different labs.’ – Meharpreet, FHL 2024 participant

‘I would highly recommend the Future Health Leaders Program to any fellow student. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals as well as learn from experts and leaders in the health and medical sector.’ – Konstandina, 2024 FHL participant

If you have any questions, or would like to know more about the program, don’t hesitate to contact futurehealthleaders@researchaustralia.org

Download the flyer to share with a future health leader here.