Recognition for early career women researchers

UNSW biologist Sarah Pryke has been awarded a $20,000 Women in Science Fellowship by L'Oréal Australia in recognition of her achievements as an early career scientist.

Fellow scientists Jenny Gunton (Garvan Institute of Medical Research), Catriona Bradshaw (Monash University) and Ilana Feain (CSIRO Australia National Telescope Facility) also received Fellowships at an award ceremony in Melbourne this week.

A UNSW NewSouth Global Postdoctoral Fellow between 2004-2007, Dr Pryke recently commenced a new appointment at Macquarie University.

Dr Pryke has published novel research about rare Gouldian finches, revealing the influence of plumage colour on the bird's feeding and mating behaviours. Among Australia's most endangered native birds, the species are restricted to small isolated populations in savanna woodlands across the tropical north.

"I was delighted and surprised to be told I'd won a Fellowship," said Dr Pryke, who will put the $20,000 award to support her research on breeding among Gouldian finches near Wyndham in the east Kimberley region of Western Australia.

Speaking from the Kimberley, she said that she had been encouraged to apply for the Fellowship by Wollongong University Professor Lee Astheimer and Dr Simon Griffiths, a former UNSW scientist now based at Macquarie University. "It's wonderful to have support of people who have pushed me to enter awards and fellowships."

The Fellowship program encourages talented women scientists to continue their research under sometimes challenging circumstances, including social pressures and gender issues.

ABS figures reveal that women represent only 37 percent of science professionals across all disciplines including life sciences, material sciences, mathematics and engineering. Globally, women represent barely more than one quarter of researchers, with glaring disparities from one region to another: 46 percent in South America, 29 percent in Africa, 15 percent in Asia.

The Fellowships are coordinated with support from the Australian National Commission for UNESCO and endorsement by the Australian Academy of Science.