Celebrating Women in Science

March 18th, 2008 - Media Statement

Western Australia's most prominent women scientists will gather together for breakfast on Wednesday March 26 to celebrate the role of women in science, particularly medical research.

The Women in Science Breakfast, hosted by the Western Australian Institute of Medical Research (WAIMR) as part of Brilliant Science Month, will feature WA's chief scientist Professor Lyn Beazley as a keynote speaker.

Professor Beazley said she hoped the breakfast would serve not only as a celebration of the fantastic contribution women made to the field but also as a reminder of the need to encourage women to take on scientific careers.

"There are a number of prominent women in science who are excellent examples of the fact that women are suited to this field, for example Professors Fiona Stanley and Fiona Wood, along with WAIMR's Dr Kristen Nowak, who won Premier's Prize for Early Career Achievement in Science for 2007," she said.

"We really need to keep the issue of Women in Science in the front of our minds to help more women to enter the field, remain a balanced part of the scientific workforce and progress equally to that of their male counterparts, so these events have a big role to play."

"An event like this is also an excellent opportunity for networking and establishing contacts for mentoring at junior levels."

WAIMR Director Peter Klinken said it was an honour for the Institute to host a group of brilliant women scientists from its own organisation, and other organisations throughout Western Australia.

"It's fantastic to see so many influential West Australian women having global impact in their fields, and this Women in Science breakfast is a great way to acknowledge their success as well as encourage budding researchers," he said.

"I think it is valuable for West Australian women scientists to get together and celebrate their success as medical professionals and role models, and it offers a wonderful chance to enhance collaborations so that WA can keep on producing research stars."

The Women in Science Breakfast will be held at the University Club of WA on March 26 for women working in the medical research and scientific fields.

Brilliant Science Month, an initiative of the Department of Industry and Resources, is a program of events throughout March highlighting the strengths and capabilities of the State's science community.

In 2008 WAIMR celebrates 10 years since its inception and the many internationally-important discoveries which have transformed it into WA's premier adult medical research institute.

For more information please contact:
Sarah Hayward
Media Consultant for the WA Institute for Medical Research
Mobile: 0411 404 415
Office: (08) 9388 9280