Opportunities & Challenges for Woman in STEM

Opening Greetings:

Shai-Lee Spigelman, Director General of the Ministry of Science and Technology. 

As part of her role, she leads the formulation of the Government's national long-term strategy in science, technology and innovation and its implementation.

In her previous role as Head of the Israeli National Digital initiative, Shai-Lee led the formulation of the Government's National Digital Plan, and its implementation in collaboration with various government Ministries.

Shai-Lee has extensive experience in the High-Tech world, and has served in her last position before entering the Government as VP of Marketing at Microsoft's R&D Center in Israel . She has also previously served as Director of Regulation and Corporate Affairs in Microsoft Israel.

Tim J. Dillon, Agent General Designate for Victoria to the United Kingdom Commissioner for Victoria to Europe and Israel/

Tim represents the State Government of Victoria’s interests in the United Kingdom, Europe and Israel, overseeing the Victorian Government Trade and Investment Offices in London and Frankfurt, and representation in Israel. Tim has extensive experience representing Victoria overseas. Prior to this appointment, Tim served as Commissioner for Victoria to Greater China (Shanghai, China 2014-2020), South East Asia (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 2009-2014) and North Asia (Tokyo, Japan 2004-2009). Having dealt with many companies across a range of industries and countries, Tim has strong trade development and investment facilitation capabilities. Tim has facilitated significant investment into Victoria’s renewable energy, automotive, food and fibre, tourism, retail and infrastructure sectors. Tim has worked in both the private and public sectors and has undertaken formal studies in Economics, Japanese and Asian Studies.

Speakers:

Dr. Amanda Caples, Victoria's Lead Scientist

Dr Amanda Caples was appointed to the role in mid-2016. Amanda brings broad experience in technology commercialisation, public policy development and governance of public and private entities. As Deputy Secretary Sector Development and Programs, Amanda was responsible for the development of Future Industries strategic sector growth plans and for support of the Victorian science, innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

As Victoria's Lead Scientist, Amanda works across the Victorian Government to foster linkages and identify opportunities for economic outcomes by engaging with business, the research sector, government and the broader Victorian community.

The priorities of the Lead Scientist are to:

• advocate the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to Victoria's economic future
• enhance university/business engagement and identify opportunities to build scale of activities by facilitating partnerships.
• scan the horizon for new technologies and provide high level strategic advice on potential social and economic impacts.
• advocate to improve the innovation capacity of the public sector.

Prof. Hagit Messser Yaron

During her long academic career as a professor of Electrical Engineering, Prof. Hagit Messer Yaron has carried several high level national positions. In particular,  being concerned about the status of women in science, while serving as the chief scientist at the ministry of science, she initiated the establishment of the national council for women in science in Israel and has been its 1st chairperson (2000-2004).

Prof. Rivka Carmi

Prof. Rivka Carmi served as President of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev between the years 2006-2018 and prior to that as the dean of the Faculty of Health sciences at BGU. A graduate of Hadassah Medical School of the Hebrew University she is a board certified Pediatrician, Neonatologist and medical Geneticist who also served as the Director of the Genetics Institute at the Soroka University Medical Center. In 2010, she became the first woman to chair Israel’s Committee of University Heads