Award-winning astrophysicist Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith has been selected Australia’s first Women in STEM Ambassador.
Professor Harvey-Smith will spearhead the federal government’s effort to encourage girls and women to study and work in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields on a national scale.
Announcing the appointment, Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said that 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.
“If we can increase participation in STEM by girls and women, we will strengthen Australia’s research, scientific and business capability,” she said.
“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.”
The Ambassador role is part of a $4.5 million package announced in the 2018‑19 Budget.
Professor Harvey-Smith is an award-winning astrophysicist, holding a PhD in Radio Astronomy from Jodrell Bank Observatory at the University of Manchester and a Masters degree in Physics with Honours in Astronomy and Astrophysics from the University of Newcastle‑upon‑Tyne.
She won the 2016 Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Australian Science Research, shared the 2016 CSIRO Chairman's Medal and in 2017 was a mentor for Science and Technology Australia’s Superstars of STEM program. She also supervises a number of PhD students.
Professor Harvey-Smith’s research has been published in more than 40 scientific papers.