Two outstanding women Australian National University scientists were newly elected as Fellows to the Australian Academy of Science this week: Professor Naomi McClure-Griffiths, a leading astrophysicist uncovering the deep inner secrets of the Milky Way, and Professor Ute Roessner AM, a renowned plant scientist tackling one of the greatest challenges facing the agriculture industry.
Both are pioneers in their respective field of science, and are making exciting gains through their research.
This year’s election is the first time in the science academy’s history that an equal number of men and women have been elected Fellows – representing a huge step forward for gender equality in the sciences, an ANU spokesperson said.
Professor McClure-Griffiths seeks to understand the structure of gas and magnetic fields in the Milky Way, and how our own galaxy and neighbouring ones in our Universe evolved.
Her research into interstellar gas and magnetic fields of the Milky Way discovered detailed atlases of atomic hydrogen gas in our galaxy, helping astronomers and astrophysicists around the world answer some of the biggest mysteries of our Universe.
“It’s a tremendous honour to be joining the Academy, whose Fellowship includes some of the most amazing scientists in the country,” Professor McClure-Griffiths said.
“The Academy has an important role to play in the promotion of science within Australia, and I’m excited to be a part of that.”
Professor Roessner is attempting to change agriculture by reducing the impact of nitrogen loss from fertilisers, which creates many environmental issues in addition to economic loss for farmers. Her team is developing new and unique fertiliser formulations that protect the environment while increasing food production.
She joined ANU in March 2022 after moving from the University of Melbourne, where she was head of the School of BioSciences. A trailblazer in the biosciences, she was awarded the Order of Australia last year for her contributions to tertiary education and advancements in science.
“I am deeply humbled to join the prestigious Academy alongside so many outstanding scientists from different disciplines,” Professor Roessner said.
Despite her many accolades and scientific achievements, her unwavering passion for teaching and desire to shape Australia’s future scientists keep her fire burning.
“There is nothing more satisfying and enjoyable than supporting a young and curious mind in developing research skills and watching them grow into independent researchers and professionals, taking up the challenge of contributing their knowledge and skills to transforming society, and saving our world from threats,” she said.
Both Professor McClure-Griffiths and Professor Roessner hope to use their platform with the Academy to inspire greater uptake of the sciences among Australians, particularly women, and mould future scientific leaders capable of delivering cutting-edge solutions to tomorrow’s problems.
“A career in science is not easy,” Professor Roessner said, “but with persistence and trust in your own abilities, one can go far and make substantial contributions to our knowledge base and understanding of how our world works. That’s what I want for Australia’s youth.”
Professor McClure-Griffiths said: “To anyone considering a career in science I would say ‘go for it’. Scientists get a free pass to constantly ask ‘why?’ “We seek answers to the hard questions about how the world and indeed Universe around us work, using the best in technology to get us there.”
