Why diversity matters in engineering

Engineering touches almost every aspect of our lives. From building our roads and powering our homes to developing the medical equipment that will help save lives — the demand for engineering skills continues to grow. But Australia is facing one of its biggest skills shortages, with more than 60,000 engineers needed over the next decade. In the latest episode of Engineering the Future podcast, Professor Rita Henderson, UNSW Engineering’s Deputy Dean of Society Impact and Translation, and Kath Richards, Chief Engineer of Engineers Australia, chat with STEM journalist Neil Martin about what it takes to attract and retain diverse talent in engineering. From sparking interest in schools to creating flexible, supportive workplaces, they explore how diversity drives innovation and why it’s so important in tackling the world’s biggest challenges. For the full transcript of the episode and to learn more about our speakers, visit our ⁠⁠⁠website. Read more of our stories on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at UNSW: UNSW’s Gateway shines, as Education Minister announces rise in domestic enrolments Girls in STEMM 2025: Building circuits, racing cars and shaping tomorrow Hands-on engineering hits the road with UNSW Makerbus Meet Keira Moran: Engineering student and co-recipient of the 2025 Inspiring Student Award Honouring excellence: women engineers celebrated as distinguished Ada Lovelace Medal awarded Don’t miss out on more conversations about the technologies shaping our world. Subscribe to Engineering the Future on your favourite podcast platform and follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠BlueSky⁠⁠⁠ to stay up to date with the latest research and news from ⁠⁠⁠⁠UNSW Engineering⁠⁠⁠⁠. Acknowledgement of Country We would like to show our respects and acknowledge the Bedegal people who are the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which our Kensington campus is situated on, and to Elders past and present.