Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
At COMBS we are committed to creating a supportive environment where all members of our community - including academics, professional staff, students and collaborators - are treated with dignity and respect and have equal opportunities to succeed.
Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion principles
Respect, Fairness and Dignity
All individuals should be treated with respect, fairness, and dignity, free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, or victimisation.
Equitable Opportunities
COMBS will proactively identify and remove any barriers to participation and advancement of our members. We are committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued, can contribute their unique perspectives, and can participate fully in the life of the Centre.
Respect for Indigenous Culture and Knowledge
COMBS respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which much of our research is conducted. We honour the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country, culture, and knowledge systems.
Accountability
Anyone engaging with or representing COMBS (including our members and representatives of external parties) is responsible for upholding these principles in their business with COMBS.
Listening
COMBS is committed to learning by doing. We acknowledge that mistakes will occur and view them as opportunities to reflect, learn, and improve. We will actively seek feedback from members and stakeholders to inform our ongoing development of this commitment.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Centre initiatives
Code of Conduct
The COMBS Code of Conduct outlines expected behaviours for all members of the community to ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment. It also provides guidance on how to respond to and report behaviour that is not consistent with these standards.
Carer Support
COMBS is committed to ensuring all members have equitable opportunities to participate in Centre activities. To support this, we offer Carer Support to help address caregiving responsibilities that may impact engagement across COMBS events and initiatives.
Members are encouraged to get in touch to discuss their needs so we can explore appropriate support options.
Culture Survey
Every two years, COMBS conducts a Culture Survey to better understand the experiences and perspectives of Centre members and help foster a more inclusive and connected research environment. The survey helps identify cultural strengths and areas for improvement, which in turn informs future actions and initiatives that strengthen inclusion, belonging, and cross-Centre engagement.
Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Dr William (Bill) Corcoran
Bill is an optical communications researcher focusing on using novel photonic technologies to fix problems in the systems underpinning the backbone of the internet.
Ruth Waterman
Ruth coordinates the research, training and development activities, and the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee at the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science (COMBS).
Dr César Sánchez Huertas
César leads the Bioanalytical Applications Team at the Integrated Photonics and Applications Centre (InPAC) at RMIT University, Australia. As a nano-biotechnologist, he specializes in lab-on-a-chip technologies that integrate photonics and microfluidics.
Professor Sumeet Walia
Sumeet is a materials engineer and creates devices that mimic human vision and brain function for advanced neuromorphics, sensors and precision measurement.
Professor Heike Ebendorff-Heidepriem
Heike is a specialist in photonics materials – particularly glass and fibres – used for outcomes in advanced manufacturing and defence.
Professor Allison Kealy
Allison is a Professor specialising in Geodesy and resilient positioning, navigation, and timing, with the aim of developing more resilient navigation systems that can operate without dependency on satellite signals.
Professor Robyn Barnacle
Robyn is a Professor in research education and is passionate about supporting researchers and creating a more just world through education, research, and culture change.
Dr Scott Kolbe
Scott leads the Centre operations of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science (COMBS).
Featured case studies
Sustaining diversity in STEM: Addressing the leaky pipeline for breakthrough science
The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence scheme brings together researchers to achieve breakthrough science, but to collaborate effectively, you need a full spectrum of perspectives. Diverse teams can tackle bigger questions and problems – essential for achieving society-wide impact at COMBS.