GSU Pillars 2026
Ambition
Ambition is the strong desire to achieve, reach higher, set big goals, and push through barriers with determination and hard work. At Girl’s STEM Up, we believe that ambition fuels the ability to turn ideas into impact, and make real change in the world. This pillar is meant to inspire our delegates and remind them that nothing is too far beyond reach. At GSU: 2026 The Future in Focus, our delegates will hear from successful and inspiring women in STEM who will motivate you to take up space and pursue your path with confidence.
Curiosity
Curiosity is the natural drive for discovery, learning and exploring the unfamiliar. Fostering curiosity is essential for innovation, confidence and progress across all facets of life, including the many possibilities within STEM. The Girls STEM Up team strongly believes that curious minds will fuel the future. Our conference aims to promote curiosity in our delegates by providing a space to ask questions, explore ideas and encounter the many opportunities that STEM has to offer. Our delegates will explore their curiosity through challenging boundaries, imaging new possibilities and learning from some of the female trailblazers in STEM at GSU 2026: The Future in Focus.
Equity
Equity is a fundamental quality that represents justness and fairness, a hallmark of GSU 2026: The Future in Focus. This pillar reflects our mission to ensure that every woman, of every background, identity and experience has access to the resources, opportunities and support needed to succeed in all STEM fields. Our delegates will learn how equity in STEM helps to identify and address barriers, amplify underrepresented voices and uplift women in male dominated fields. Through emphasizing our commitment to equity at our annual conference, we demonstrate a community in STEM where fairness is foundational and each delegate is empowered and supported to reach their full potential.
Resilience
Resilience is a quality of persistence, adaptability and strength. This key pillar of GSU 2026: The Future in Focus is a quality that many past and present women in STEM have relied upon to navigate the adversities faced within these fields. Our delegates will discover the resilience shown by our keynote speakers, presenters and workshop leaders while navigating a career in STEM. Through celebrating resilience, we honour the women who continue to push STEM forward and inspire our delegates to persevere and uplift one another along their journeys.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a commitment to protecting our planet, ensuring that today’s progress does not compromise the ability of future generations to thrive. As a core pillar of GSU: 2026 The Future in Focus, sustainability reflects our belief that STEM must advance in harmony with the environment and the communities it impacts. At the conference, our delegates will explore real-world progress and challenges relating to sustainability in STEM. They will hear from women in STEM who are leading transformative environmental initiatives and develop solutions that balance human needs and ecological integrity.