If your candle light doesn't go out in the turbulent wind, it will live to light others.
Dr Morley Muse, Co-founder of iSTEM Co. and DEIR.AI, is a Chemical, Environmental, and Renewable Energy Engineer with expertise in waste-to-energy, wastewater treatment and energy transition technologies. She holds multiple leadership roles, including Board Director at Women in STEMM Australia and Co-chair of Science & Technology Australia’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Executive Committee.
Dr Muse has advanced gender equity in STEM as a previous Elevate Advisory Panel member with the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering and a past ambassador of CSIRO’s Innovation Catalyst Global, promoting women in STEM leadership. She also contributes to the RISE Expert Panel with Diversity Council Australia and mentors senior women in STEM through the Superstars of STEM Program. As an Energy Reference Group member with Jemena Energy, she supports renewable energy transition strategies.
Her contributions have been recognised with awards such as Emerging Leader in STEM (2022 Women’s Agenda Awards) and Social Enterprise Excellence (2024 AusMumpreneur Awards) as well as finalist for Victoria University 2022 Rising Star Alumni Award and 2023 Gender Equity Awards in the CEO/Board Category.
iSTEM Co., under her leadership, has championed women in STEM through innovative programs, earning accolades like the 2023 Tech Diversity Business Merit Award, 2023 Gender Equity Award and the 2022 Women in Digital Workforce Award. In 2024, she was inducted into the prestigious Victorian Multicultural Honour roll.
Talking Points
March Forward: Advancing Equity, Empowerment, and Inclusion for All
International Women’s Day Keynote – Department of Justice & Community Safety (March 6, 2025)March Forward: Advancing Equity, Empowerment, and Inclusion for All
In a world where equity remains an aspiration rather than a reality, how do we accelerate progress? This keynote explores the importance of collective action in dismantling systemic barriers, creating truly inclusive workplaces, and empowering individuals to become changemakers. Dr. Morley Muse shares insights on driving meaningful diversity initiatives, fostering belonging, and ensuring that inclusion is not just a buzzword but a lived experience. Through real-world examples and actionable strategies, this talk inspires attendees to March Forward—not just for one day, but every day.
The Energy Revolution: How Sustainable Innovations Will Shape the Future
As the world grapples with climate change, the energy sector is at a pivotal crossroads. Dr. Muse, a leading expert in biofuels and renewable energy, explores how innovations like microalgae treatment and wastewater-powered energy can transform industries. This keynote provides insights into the future of energy, the role of research in driving change, and how young professionals can prepare for careers in this evolving landscape.
The Energy Revolution: How Sustainable Innovations Will Shape the Future
The Future of Work: STEM, Smart Cities, and Resilience in a Changing World
In an era of automation, AI, and digital transformation, what does the future of work look like? Dr. Morley Muse delves into the intersection of STEM, smart cities, and climate resilience. Attendees will gain practical insights on navigating career shifts, upskilling for emerging STEM roles, and leveraging innovation to build more adaptable and sustainable communities.
The Future of Work: STEM, Smart Cities, and Resilience in a Changing World
Building a Personal Brand for Unconventional Leadership
Leadership in STEMM is evolving beyond conventional pathways—so why should personal branding remain traditional? In this session, Dr. Morley Muse unpacks the power of personal branding for senior women in STEMM, particularly those charting non-linear career paths. Attendees learn how to position themselves as thought leaders, leverage their unique experiences to drive impact, and craft a compelling leadership identity that challenges the status quo. This interactive session provides tools for navigating visibility, influence, and career progression in male-dominated industries.
Building a Personal Brand for Unconventional Leadership
Merit in the Age of Talent Rebellion: Rethinking STEM Hiring for Innovation and Profitability
The traditional concept of "merit" is outdated—and the talent landscape is shifting faster than ever. With skills shortages, evolving workforce expectations, and increasing demands for diversity, organizations must rethink hiring practices to stay competitive. In this keynote, Dr. Morley Muse challenges the notion of meritocracy in STEM recruitment and highlights how inclusive hiring unlocks innovation, boosts profitability, and future-proofs industries. Attendees gain insights into bias-free talent acquisition, skills-based hiring, and building workplaces where diverse talent thrives.
Merit in the Age of Talent Rebellion: Rethinking STEM Hiring for Innovation and Profitability
Human Potential Futures
What does the future of human potential look like in an era of rapid technological change? In this thought-provoking keynote, Dr. Morley Muse explores the intersection of STEM innovation, workforce evolution, and global sustainability. As automation, AI, and climate challenges reshape industries, she examines how we can harness human ingenuity to drive equitable, resilient, and future-ready societies. This talk delves into emerging trends in STEM education, ethical technology, and the role of diverse talent in shaping a sustainable future—challenging audiences to think beyond today and invest in the potential of tomorrow.
Human Potential Futures
Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: Women in STEM and the Future of Innovation
Despite decades of progress, gender disparity in STEM remains a significant challenge. Dr. Morley Muse shares her journey as a scientist, entrepreneur, and advocate, breaking stereotypes and paving the way for women—especially women of color—in STEM. This keynote explores the societal and economic benefits of diverse STEM workforces, strategies to overcome barriers, and how to build a more inclusive and innovative future.
Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: Women in STEM and the Future of Innovation
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I cannot stress how wonderful it was, to have Dr Morley Muse take part in our Move the Needle series with Women 4 STEM. Her insight and passion for diversity, equity and inclusion was an abs ... keep reading Women 4 STEM
Dr Morley, thank you so much for your wonderful 'March Forward' presentation today to lead in to International Women's Day for Road Safety Camera Program and the broader Police and Community Safety within Department of Justice and Community Safety. You managed to captivate us for a full hour with your story! The feedback I received following the session was so positive; especially to your analogies to build resilience, collaboration and empowerment! I particularly love this one quote from your session: 'Challenges don't define us - our response to them does'. I would not hesitate to recommend you for future engagement roles to my DJCS and broader network. Again, thank you so much!
Dr Morley was the big highlight for me – she described herself as ‘very real’. One of the big moments was when she talked about how the World Economic Forum projects are on track to have global gender equality in 131 years – and we’ll all be dead.
