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First Women in STEM Ambassador appointed

Siemens Smart Infrastructure

Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith has been selected as Australia’s first Women in STEM Ambassador, who will aim to encourage girls and women to study and work in science, technology, engineering and mathematics on a national scale.

The appointment is part of the Federal Government’s $4.5 million package to improve gender equality in STEM, announced in the 2018-19 budget.

Dr Harvey-Smith holds a PhD in Radio Astronomy from Jodrell Bank Observatory at the University of Manchester and has a Masters degree in Physics from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

She is a public advocate for science and has won multiple awards including the 2016 Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Australian Science Research and shared the 2016 CSIRO Chairman’s Medal. Dr Harvey-Smith was also mentor for Science and Technology Australia’s Superstars of STEM program.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews congratulated Professor Harvey-Smith for her appointment in the role.

“As Australia’s first Women in STEM Ambassador, Professor Harvey-Smith will advocate for girls and women in STEM education and careers, raising awareness and driving cultural and social change for gender equity. I look forward to working closely with her,” Ms Andrews said.

“If we can increase participation in STEM by girls and women, we will strengthen Australia’s research, scientific and business capability.

“The Women in STEM Ambassador role will complement existing work and activities that are driving greater gender equity in science, both Government and sector-led.”


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