A cohort of female scientists are working to close research gaps, improve health outcomes and increase representation in fields traditionally dominated by men.
In 2024, the federal government ended the Women in STEM Ambassador initiative after a report urged a more intersectional approach to diversity in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) fields.
Led by astrophysicist Lisa Harvey-Smith for six years, the program aimed to break down structural barriers that limit women's and girls' participation in STEM education and careers.
In Australia, women make up 37 per cent of university enrolments in STEM courses and hold just 15 per cent of jobs in those sectors.
Advocates say scrapping the ambassador program left a noticeable gap in how Australia supports women working in these fields at a national level.
But chemist Elizabeth New among a cohort of women filling this gap by rethinking research, with her work helping to improve tools used by scientists better understand diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's.
"One of the main reasons for a gap in funding and support for female scientists is just the participation of females in the sector: there has been a lot of work to deal with bias in funding and hiring processes, but if fewer females are applying, we will naturally see fewer having success," she told AAP.
"We need good representation of female scientists because science is ultimately a creative venture, which requires the broadest range of people who can then have the broadest range of new ideas.
"If we restrict any group of people from participating, we are limiting the innovation that is possible."
Along with her team, Professor New designed chemical sensors to allow scientists to look inside living cells and see what is happening at a molecular level.
The sensors have since been applied in research on Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, cancer and bacterial infections.
Prof New received backing for her work under a 2016 Westpac fellowship, funded as part of the Westpac Scholars Trust.
The initiative has supported more than 1000 scholars in Australia in the past 10 years, with a focus on women in STEM fields.
"Who stays in STEM shapes what gets built, what gets funded and ultimately what problems we prioritise," Westpac Scholars Trust chief executive Amy Lyden said.
Structural biology PhD candidate Jessica Woolman is investigating the impact of "forever chemicals" such as PFAS and BPA on hormonal health.
She was named a 2026 Westpac Future Leader Scholar, which will support her research into the long-term and intergenerational health impacts of forever chemicals.
"PFAS are chemically persistent, meaning they resist environmental breakdown and accumulate in ecosystems and in humans over time," Ms Woolman said.
"Strengthening public education is important to improve awareness of everyday exposure pathways and reduce risk, alongside clearer communication about health and environmental impacts, including effects on reproductive health and wildlife."
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails