AAHMS to Deliver 2026 Inclusive Leadership Mentoring Program for Women

The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (AAHMS) will deliver the 2026 Inclusive Leadership Mentoring Program, in partnership with Serendis Leadership, securing the continuation of this nationally regarded initiative following the closure of Franklin Women in late 2025.

Although delivered in NSW, the program has national significance and a strong track record in supporting the career progression of mid‑career women across the health and medical research sector, while strengthening the inclusive leadership capability of senior leaders of all genders.

Evaluations have demonstrated the program’s impact – building confidence, sharpening inclusive leadership skills, clarifying career pathways, and fostering enduring cross‑sector networks that strengthen the system as a whole.

The program was developed and delivered by Franklin Women in partnership with Serendis Leadership as a New South Wales-based program, establishing a highly regarded model supporting mid-career women across the health and medical research ecosystem. AAHMS is pleased to be able to continue this partnership and to deliver this impactful program to the sector.

“The closure of Franklin Women represented the loss of a highly regarded leadership capability in the sector. In response, the Academy acted to ensure the continuation of the program, consistent with our commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion in the health and medical sciences,” said the Academy’s President, Professor Louise Baur AM PresAHMS.

“This commitment is reflected most recently in our leadership of Australia’s first Decadal Plan for Women in the Health and Medical Sciences, published in 2025.”

The Decadal Plan underscores the importance of evidence-based programs that address the structural and career “pinch points” that prevent women from progressing to the most senior leadership levels. The Inclusive Leadership Mentoring Program is a clear example of such an intervention, and the Academy of Health and Medical Sciences is pleased to ensure its continuation.

A program shaping the next generation of inclusive women leaders

The impacts of this program are driven by:

• Thorough matching process: A rigorous matching process based on critical factors for a successful mentoring partnership.
• Cross-organisational interaction: Connecting mentees with mentors from organisations across the health and medical research ecosystem.
• Fully supported experience: Participants are supported by experienced executive coaches and an online mentoring platform.

Participants take part in informal one‑to‑one mentoring alongside facilitated workshops delivered throughout the six‑month program. Mentees build clarity and confidence in their career progression, while mentors gain insights into the leadership practices that create inclusive workplace cultures.

This well established, high impact program has demonstrated strong outcomes for both mentors and mentees, including increased confidence, improved leadership capability, clearer career direction and stronger cross‑sector networks.

Program now open for organisations to participate

The program is for:

• Mentees: Women whose work contributes to improving health outcomes in any discipline (e.g. laboratory science, public health, clinical research, health technology, medical engineering etc.) with a minimum of 8–10 years’ professional experience and typically working at academic Level C or similar.
• Mentors: Leaders of any gender who hold significant experience in the sector, in a research, academic, or executive capacity. They will have at least 15 years’ professional experience and currently be working in a leadership role.

Organisations enrol in the program and nominate participants to take part as mentees and mentors.

Organisations wishing to participate can contact the Academy (Catherine Luckin, CEO: [email protected]) to discuss the opportunity and find out more, or can sign up by completing the online form.

A flyer with more information is also available here.