FAQs

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Do you have questions about Her Research Matters (HRM)? We’ve noticed that some people within the Monash Parkville community have heard of HRM, but wanted to know more about us. We hope these FAQs help you understand more about who we are, what to do, and how to join.

  • What is Her Research Matters (HRM)?

Her Research Matters (HRM) is a grassroots collective that promotes gender equity in science by celebrating and communicating research excellence led by women, advocating for solutions to systemic issues, and providing role models and support networks to advance the careers of the next generation of women research leaders.

HRM operates primarily at Monash University in Australia, with over 110 active members within the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. We also have many members from outside of the faculty, who can join as an ally.

  • What does HRM do?

Despite its relatively short existence, HRM has made significant strides in positively influencing the faculty's environment and culture. Members can benefit from being a part of an inclusive community, which include early and established researchers, as well as allies of all genders to create an inclusive and supportive team.

We have held a variety of events, including educational seminars and sessions with experienced academics on career advice. Furthermore, we have engaged with individuals and organisations worldwide to raise awareness about gender inequity and actively sponsor and promote the career progression of women in science. As a HRM member, you will be notified about upcoming events that may help you with your career progression and advocate for women in research.

  • Who helps operate HRM?

HRM is led by a dedicated team consisting of co-chairs, a secretary, a treasurer, and cluster leaders. The collective is comprised of three pillars with associated leads to drive its activities:

  1. The Policy and Philanthropy pillar provides guidance on university policies and ensures representation on the Faculty's Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
  2. The Networking and Sponsorship pillar is organised into four clusters that encompass emerging leaders, established leaders, education leaders, and allies (see below). They organise various events, workshops, and presentations to support leadership development and equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives.
  3. The Communications and Outreach pillar focuses on celebrating the achievements, success stories and researcher profiles across the HRM website and social media platforms.
  • Who can join HRM?

Anyone can join as a HRM member, and it is free to join! We invite you to become part of a network of like-minded people with the goal to promote an inclusive and equitable leadership environment for women in academia. You can choose to join one or more of the following clusters to allow HRM to promote your research to the wider community.

Emerging leaders

PhD students and research-focused staff at Academic Levels A and B based at Monash Parkville who identify as a woman.

Established research leaders

Research-focused staff at Academic Level B3 and above based at Monash Parkville who identify as a woman.

Education leaders

Education-focused staff at any Academic Level based at Monash Parkville who identify as a woman.

Allies & sponsors

People of all genders within or outside Monash Parkville or organisations who actively support HRM's mission.

While Her Research Matters is primarily focused on women in science, the collective recognizes that gender equity is a complex issue that affects people of all genders. Thus, it is essential to include those from all backgrounds so we can build an inclusive community to work together in promoting gender equity in science.

  • How can I join HRM?

You can sign up to become a HRM member here. This will add you to our mailing list so you can remain up to date with all of our events and initiatives.

If you want to join HRM but you do identify as a woman from MIPS, you can sign up as an ally. Your support is appreciated and does not go unnoticed.

If you are a woman from MIPS, you have the option to join one or more of our clusters, and take on leadership roles within the collective. If you are interested in doing more to help HRM grow and continue to nurture women in research, you can email us at pharmacy-hrm@monash.edu.

  • What types of events do HRM hold?

HRM advocates for women through our various initiatives and events.

Some examples of recent events we have held  are:

  • Peer review, Q & A, and mock interview initiatives within promotion and grant applications. These are led by experienced researchers and academics to provide emerging leaders with advice to help them advance in their careers.
  • Sponsoring members to attend Science Meets Parliament, Science & Technology Australia's annual flagship event, which aims to educate attendees on how to foster relationships between the STEM sector and policymakers.
  • Hosting sessions to promote and advocate for diversity, including panel speaker events and interactive workshops
  • How can I find out about upcoming HRM events?

When you sign up as a HRM member, you are added to our mailing list so you can remain up to date with all of our events and initiatives. We also encourage you to follow us on  Twitter and LinkedIn to keep up to date with all our events.

  • How can I contribute to and support HRM?

There are many ways you can contribute to and help support our collective.

Firstly, we encourage you to join HRM to show your support and recognition.

Anyone regardless of gender or organisation can sign up as an ally. We encourage everyone to participate in our events to learn, grow and show your support for women in STEM.

If you are a woman from MIPS, we also welcome you to join one or more of our clusters. You are invited to join our cluster meetings to provide ideas to help HRM continue to advocate for women through our various initiatives and events. Furthermore, if you are interested in a leadership role within our collective to help HRM grow and continue to nurture women in research, you can email us at pharmacy-hrm@monash.edu.

We also encourage you to follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to keep up to date with all our events.

Last but not least, HRM would not be able to achieve what we do without our generous sponsors and donors. We collectively thank you for your generosity and support in advocating women in STEM. Together, we can support women to promote equality in science.