Timeline

2004: UKRC Established
The UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (UKRC) is launched as one of the key recommendations of the UK Government’s 2003 Strategy for Women in SET, following the 2002 SET Fair Report. Funded by the newly created Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), the UKRC is established as the Government’s lead organisation for providing advice, services, and policy consultation on the under-representation of women in science, engineering, and technology.

2005: Scottish Resource Centre Founded
The Scottish Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology is created as the UKRC’s presence in Scotland, through a partnership between Edinburgh Napier University, the University of Glasgow, and Glasgow Caledonian University.

2006: Establishment of Independent Operations
Operating from Edinburgh Napier University, the Scottish Resource Centre begins delivering training, mentoring, and return-to-work programmes for women in Scotland’s STEM sectors.

2007: Advocacy and Mentorship
The Centre hosted a major debate at the Scottish Parliament on the role of women in STEM, launched a mentoring scheme and returner workshops to support women re-entering STEM careers, and collaborated with Construction Skills Scotland to research barriers faced by women in the built environment sector.

2008-2011: Building Momentum
Partnered with four Sector Skills Councils—Oil & Gas, Energy, Land-Based Industries, and Construction—to support the implementation of  equality action plans. With funding from the European Social Fund and the Scottish Funding Council, the Centre expanded its reach and staffing, delivering seminars, best practice toolkits, and employer engagement initiatives across Scotland.

2009: Interconnect Network Launched
The Interconnect Network is established as a national network for women studying STEM at college and university in Scotland. It provides opportunities for students to connect with each other, professionals, and potential employers, helping to build confidence, networks, and career readiness.

2012: Transition to Scottish Government Funding
After the end of UKRC’s contract, the Scottish Government commits £601,000 in funding over three years, enabling the Centre to continue its mission. This transition secures a uniquely Scottish approach to equality in STEM.

2013: Careerwise Internship Programme Launched
Careerwise begins as a paid summer placement scheme for women studying STEM subjects in Scotland, providing pre- and post-placement support to enhance employability and industry access. The project ran for seven years from 2013-2020 and  completed seven full placement cycles. More information on the project available here. 

2014: Rebranded as Equate Scotland
To reflect its broader mission and to increase visibility, the Centre is rebranded as Equate Scotland. The rebrand signals a commitment to not only support women but also work with academia and employers to drive structural change.

2016-2020: Strategic Leadership and Digital Innovation
Under the leadership of Talat Yaqoob, Equate expands its student outreach by relaunching the Interconnect Network as the Equate Student Network in 2018. This reimagined network places greater emphasis on collaboration with colleges and universities to improve equality in STEM education. As part of this initiative, the Student Champion programme encourages institutions to recruit student leaders who organise campus events, foster peer support, and connect women students with role models and employers. These efforts aim to address the attrition of women from STEM education to employment and build lasting professional networks.

Equate also launches the Equate Career Hub, Scotland’s first job site dedicated to women in STEM, helping employers attract diverse talent while providing targeted career resources to women professionals and students.

2020: Resilience During the Pandemic
Former MP Lesley Laird is appointed Director, steering the programme through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Equate swiftly adapts by delivering all training and employer consultancy online.

2022–Present: Dilraj Sokhi Watson’s Leadership
Under the leadership of Programme Director Dilraj Sokhi Watson, Equate Scotland has undertaken a number of strategic initiatives. These include the research and publication of the “Experiences of Women in STEM in Scotland” report, an award-winning employability programme supporting displaced Ukrainian women, and international collaboration with Indonesia’s Polibatam Polytechnic on EDI initiatives. In response to changing sector needs, Equate launched a suite of market-responsive activities to replace the now-closed Equate Career Hub. One of the key highlights in 2025 was the launch of Equate Scotland’s peer to peer network Friends of Equate. The network was created for women in STEM to help them find community, access peer-to-peer support, and take part in further training opportunities. It also runs in-person and online events throughout the year. Additionally, Equate has undertaken significant policy and development work on the thematic areas of equality, skills and net zero.

Today

Equate Scotland continues to provide support to women in STEM, while partnering with institutions and employers to promote systemic change. From workshops and career development to research and consultancy, Equate remains at the forefront of creating a fairer, more equal STEM ecosystem in Scotland.