AstraZeneca and IMRA put female students on the frontline of science and surgery

AstraZeneca and the International Medical Robotics Academy (IMRA) are reshaping the future of women in science and medicine, with two initiatives unveiled this month.

AstraZeneca partnered with Macquarie University’s Girls to Graduates program to empower female students in STEMM, while IMRA launched Australia’s first surgical robotics curriculum for secondary schools to inspire the next wave of female surgeons.

At the AstraZeneca event, students engaged with a panel of female leaders who shared insights into their professional journeys, the challenges they have navigated, and the opportunities that lie ahead for women in STEMM.

Clare Di Leva, Human Resources Director at AstraZeneca, underscored the company’s commitment to collaboration in pursuit of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“Our relationship with Macquarie University is an example of an external partnership that supports this goal. While this networking event is an opportunity for the students to learn from our female talent, it is also an opportunity for our leaders to learn from the students and encourage and mentor future leaders in our industry.”

“The collaboration between AstraZeneca and Macquarie University is a good example of industry and academia working together to educate and empower future talent. These events showcase what is possible for young women who want to pursue a career in STEMM, encouraging students to ask questions to hopefully bridge knowledge gaps and inspire them on their career pathway,” Di Leva added.

Professor Taryn Jones, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) at Macquarie University, reinforced the importance of such partnerships.

“Girls to Graduates is about building a pipeline of talented young women who will become the next generation of STEMM innovators, researchers and leaders. Partnerships like the one we have with AstraZeneca are vital to this mission. They not only bring real-world insight and inspiration to our programs but also help students see the breadth of opportunities available in STEMM.”

For the students, the impact was immediate.

“These events are important because it helps to have face to face time with people in the industry, rather than doing research online,” said Daniella Durotoye, who is studying a Bachelor of Medical Sciences. “The event helped to open up my horizons and learn from professionals who have walked the same pathway.”

Bachelor of Medical Science student Andrea Sadama, majoring in Anatomy and Physiology, added “It has been insightful and has given me ideas of what I can possibly do after my degree. Being able to talk and hear from senior women who are in the STEM field about how they have progressed in their roles has been very valuable.”

IMRA turned its attention to surgery, where women remain underrepresented. In fact, only 15% of Australia’s active surgeons are female.

Through its MedTech Futures – Secondary School Curriculum Package, IMRA is exposing Year 10 students to the possibilities of surgical careers with hands-on experiences. In the pilot program with Toorak College, students operated surgical robots on hyper-realistic tissue, learned suturing techniques, and tested their skills in VR surgical simulations.

IMRA CEO Adam Clark, said “Technology is moving at an exceptionally rapid pace, and the industry is constantly evolving. Our programs are revolutionising the concept of surgical training. We are proud to share our knowledge and resources with the next generation of surgeons in a way that is accessible and agile for the future.”

Trainer Dr Jade El-Mohamed pointed to the gender-specific benefits, saying “In most cases, surgeons who take extended leave are women, often for parental responsibilities. The IMRA training model shortens the learning curve with the latest surgical technology, enabling them to confidently return to work.”

The IMRA program is designed to break barriers and redefine what is possible for young women in medicine. It’s about opening doors, dismantling stereotypes, and proving that gender should never determine a surgeon’s place in the operating theatre.

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