A need to improve gender equity in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) has led Charles Sturt University (CSU) to participate in a new national scheme.

CSU is an inaugural member of an external Australian charter for gender equity known as the SAGE Pilot. It aims to increase the number of women working in STEMM organisations in Australia.

Coordinated by the Australian Academy of Science, the three-year program is based on the Athena SWAN Charter scheme adopted in the United Kingdom 10 years ago to address the underrepresentation of women in science.

Associate Professor Janelle Wheat represented CSU at the launch of the SAGE Pilot in Canberra earlier this month.

"There is enormous energy for this pilot which speaks directly to the need for Australian universities to support the hiring, promotion, participation and retention of women in STEMM," Associate Professor Wheat said.

"We lose so many women scientists and this negatively impacts on diversity across the sector.

"We can't afford to lose the expertise, talent and investment of women in science."

Associate Professor Wheat has praised the Executive Dean of CSU's Faculty of Science, Professor Tim Wess for driving the University's involvement in the pilot scheme.

"Professor Wess led the first optometry school in the UK through the Athena SWAN process and recognises the important role of management to positively change cultures and attitudes across the organisation."

The University is currently seeking expressions of interest for a Self-Assessment Team at CSU which will include a mix of academic disciplines and clinical staff from the Faculty of Science.

The team will collect, analyse and present data on gender equity policies and practices in STEMM areas across CSU as well as identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.

Additionally, CSU and the other 31 inaugural members of the SAGE Pilot have pledged to embody other aspects of gender equity.