From parity to progress: Women in STEMM call for equity, mentorship and inclusive leadership at 2025 symposium

· Hosted by Duke-NUS, the International Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics & Medicine (STEMM) Symposium draws over 350 attendees from healthcare, academia and public sectors

· Symposium sparks cross-sector dialogue in leadership, mentorship and shaping a more equitable STEMM ecosystem in Singapore

· Keynote by Professor Tan Chorh Chuan spotlights inclusive strategies and structural support to retain and grow women in science and medicine

Singapore, 25 March 2025— Moving the conversation from parity to purpose, the International Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM) Symposium 2025—hosted by Duke-NUS Medical School—brought together more than 350 leaders, researchers and students to discuss gender diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and confronted one of the most pressing challenges facing STEMM fields today: how to close the gender gap through sustained, systemic support.

In his keynote, Guest-of-Honour Professor Tan Chorh Chuan, Permanent Secretary for National Research and Development, emphasised the importance of a systematic "whole-of-ecosystem" perspective, which includes having a systemic focus.

"Individual development programmes are useful, but at the same time, we must address systemic barriers embedded in our institutions and processes. This includes examining how we hire new staff, evaluate merit, allocate resources, and structure career advancement."

The full day event, held on 24 March 2025, featured speakers and panellists from across the biomedical, tech and academic landscapes—including the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), National University Health System (NUHS), National University of Singapore (NUS)'s Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Home Team Science & Technology Agency (HTX), and Duke-NUS Medical School—who discussed strategies to sustain and elevate women in research, leadership and policy-making, but also in building a diverse workforce.

In a powerful opening address, Dr. Kanwaljit Soin, Singapore's first female Nominated Member of Parliament and founding member of the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE), called on women in STEMM to shape change—not wait for it.

"Gender equity isn't a women's issue. It's a systemic issue. It's a societal issue. The conversation must shift from 'helping women' to transforming institutions. And here's a little secret: men benefit from gender equity too. Diverse leadership improves research quality, clinical outcomes, and patient care."

One of the most energising segments was the "To DEI or Not to DEI" debate, which saw early-career researchers from Duke-NUS tackle both the promise and pitfalls of diversity, equity and inclusion policies. Moderated by Professor Toh Han Chong, Deputy Director at the National Cancer Centre Singapore, the spirited discussion reflected the evolving views of the next generation on how DEI must evolve to remain meaningful.

This year's symposium, co-chaired by Duke-NUS academics Assistant Professor Ann-Marie Chacko, Assistant Professor Mara McAdams and Associate Professor Valerie Chew, set out to do more than spark conversation—it aimed to spark change. The goal wasn't just to talk about gender equity in STEMM, but to equip participants with real tools and ideas to make progress happen. Throughout the day, the sessions leaned into what it truly takes to shift culture—from building confidence and visibility through personal branding, to rethinking how we open doors to leadership, and how male allyship can help lift the load.

"This wasn't another diversity panel—we sparked actionable dialogue on overhauling systems from boardrooms to labs," said the co-chairs in a joint statement. "Every strategy shared carried one message—Progress needs propulsion. Let's turn today's blueprints into tomorrow's STEMM revolution, where we create lasting progress and success together."

Hosted annually by Singapore's medical schools, the International Women in STEMM Symposium will next be organised by the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine at NTU.

Provided by Duke-NUS Medical School