Macquarie’s superstars are:
- Dr Lizzy Lowe – an urban ecologist, passionate about working with local communities to improve the health of our cities with a particular passion for raising the public profile of under-appreciated animals such as spiders, and encouraging engagement with nature in cities
- Dr Devika Kamath – an astrophysicist, recognised for her work on observational studies of dying stars and their implications on the origin of elements in the universe
- Dr Kate Selway – an Earth scientist, currently focused on understanding why plate tectonics happens, knowing where to explore for ore deposits, and improving measurements of ice loss from ice sheets.
Superstars of STEM aims to smash society’s gender assumptions about scientists and increase the public visibility of women in STEM. STA created Superstars of STEM to create a critical mass of celebrity Australian female scientists and technologists – role models for young women and girls – and to work towards equal representation in the media of women and men working in all fields in STEM.
Over five years STA will have equipped 150 female scientists and technologists with advanced communication skills and provided them with genuine opportunities to use these skills – in the media, on the stage and in speaking with decision makers.
“We need more young women taking up STEM in schools and universities so it’s fantastic to have these role models in STA’s Superstars of STEM program,” said Professor Barbara Messerle, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering.
“We know that empowering women to achieve in science, technology, engineering and maths leads to great research and teaching outcomes, and helps us find better solutions to today’s global challenges.”
Professor Emma Johnston AO, President of Science & Technology Australia, said the women would no longer be hiding their scientific superpowers, and would share them with as many Australians as possible following the launch.
“When we launched the program last year, I said that the stereotypical scientists was an old man in a white coat,” Professor Johnston said.
“Thanks to the first 30 Superstars this is starting to change, and with 60 more announced today, we will be well on our way to permanently smashing the stereotype.”
“Each Superstar will connect with hundreds of school children; feature in local, national and international media; and serve as a representative for their work, their discipline and their sector,” Professor Johnston said.
“We are extremely proud to have seen hundreds of capable, skilled, confident women apply for the program, and really look forward to sharing the stories of these impressive 60 Superstars with the world.”
STA is the nation’s peak body in science and technology, promoting the sector’s work with government, industry and the general public.
