Diversity Inclusion and Belongingness

Diversity, inclusion, and belongingness (DIB) are interconnected concepts that together form a foundational pillar in creating equitable and harmonious environments, especially in workplaces and communities.

Diversity refers to the presence of differences within a given setting, encompassing various dimensions such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, and cultural background.

Inclusion is the practice of creating environments where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported, regardless of their differences. It involves actively inviting and embracing diversity by ensuring everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources.

Belongingness goes a step further, signifying a deep sense of acceptance and integration where individuals not only feel included but also feel that they are an integral part of the community or organization.

Together, these concepts promote a culture of respect, equity, and shared values, where everyone can thrive and contribute to their fullest potential.

DIB Committee of CSIRO’s Data61

Our purpose

We help our diverse workforce be heard, seen, and supported to grow and contribute to solving the greatest challenges through Science and Technology.

Our focus areas

1. Grow and retain diverse talent.
2. Promote diversity in leadership
3. Help foster a welcoming and inclusive workplace on all levels.

Achieving our focus

The Inclusion and Diversity Committee’s primary goal is to facilitate the creation of an inclusive culture within Data61. The Committee is to play a key role in identifying the key challenges to creating such a culture and developing strategic and action-based approaches to support addressing these challenges.

Committee Functions

• Make recommendations to and gain approval from Data61’s leadership team (DET) on investments and activities related to Diversity and Inclusion as initiated by The Committee
• To facilitate an exchange of information to develop a common understanding of Diversity and inclusion-related issues within Data61 and beyond.
• To attempt to find effective solutions and initiatives that Data61 members can align with and participate in.
• Gather necessary information to make informed Diversity and Inclusion recommendations and plans.
• Influence and or execute plans and initiatives as we are given authority and endorsement.

Research

Data61 DIB Committee undertakes and may commission research that progresses the aims of the Committee or provides further insight into, and understanding of, how broad diversity and representation in the ICT sector can be achieved. We have a research team with a broad cross-section of capability including software engineering, computing science, social science, data science, and other AI related specialties, where everyone is keen to increase diversity in ICT and build more inclusive technology tools

Collaborations

The Data61 DIB Committee seeks to collaborate within and beyond CSIRO to further our research objectives and provide assistance to the Australian ICT industry to achieve greater representation and diversity within the sector. 

A recent event at Google’s Sydney office, “Fostering Diversity, Inclusion, and Belongingness in Academia,” on 1st May 2024, brought together thought leaders from academia to strategize on enhancing inclusivity in educational institutions. The vent included keynotes, inspired discussions on STEM diversity and equity, and breakout groups, that tackled challenges like cultural change and insecure work environments, aiming to create meaningful change.

Read more about our collaboration with Google on the DIB event for academia: Click Here!

 

Achievements

The Data61 DIB Committee was formed in 2018 and has since implemented programmes that have increased diversity within the CSIRO Business Unit. These have been resulted in greater recognition and awards including: 

• WAI Awards – Tiger Team
• CSIRO’s People’s Choice Award for Growth Campaign

CSIRO’s Data61 – DIB Officers

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