The UNESCO International Day of Women and Girls in Science is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the crucial role women and girls play in science around the world. The day is recognised annually on 11 February.
At GMRF, we’re proud to have many experienced women leading multiple research areas. From our Board of Directors, CEO and Executive Team to scientists on the front line of research, our GMRF team is made up of over 90% women.
In Australia and across the world, this isn’t normally the case. According to the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources:
- Women represent only 27% of the workforce across all STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) industries.
- Just 23% of senior management in STEM-qualified industries are women.
- 8% of CEOs in STEM-qualified industries are women.
We spoke to some members of our team about their experience as a woman in science and their hopes for future women and girls who want to pursue a career in STEM.
Dr Amanda Dines OAM, Chair of GMRF Board
Dr Dines has been a Director of the GMRF Board and Chair of our Research Advisory Committee for the past two years, moving into the position of Chair of the Board in November 2022.
Dr Dines is an Air Commodore in the Royal Australian Air Force and currently serves in a part time capacity as the Director General Health Reserve – Air Force. Dr Dines is a medical practitioner with fellowships in General Practice and Medical Administration and was previously Executive Director Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and Director Medical Services Redcliffe Hospital.
What would you say to girls who are interested in or considering a career in science or research?
Do it! Opportunity abounds and there is nothing more satisfying than discovering something new.
What are your hopes for the future of women and girls in science?
That they embrace it and find the solutions to the questions that challenge us all.
Why do we need more women and girls in science?
We need their creativity and commitment and the force of their numbers. Science and scientific discovery is for everyone.
Jordyn Woodward, Data Manager
Jordyn joined the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation in June 2019 as a Clinical Trial Assistant and Data Officer. After working to facilitate a melanoma database under Professor Victoria Atkinson and the Australian Bronchiectasis Registry under Professor Rachel Thomson, Jordyn then transitioned to the role of Senior Clinical Trial Assistant. In 2021 Jordyn moved to a Data Manager role.
Jordyn has also completed a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Biomedical Science, as well as a Masters of Public Health, at the University of Queensland.
How would you describe your experience of working in science and research?
Contributing to innovative research is incredibly rewarding, especially in clinical trials because you are not only caring for today’s patients but also people into the future.
What would you say to girls who are interested in or considering a career in science or research?
To any woman interested in STEM, I would say that the field has so many more opportunities than you may realise, so get involved, try as many things as possible and pursue every opportunity – you’re bound to find your passion.
What are your hopes for the future of women and girls in science?
Equal representation should always be the ultimate goal – not just for women, but all diverse populations as well. I would love to see more women in leadership roles, who can effectively mentor more women.
Dr Emina Prguda, Research Fellow
Dr Emina Prguda is a Research Fellow at Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation and an Honorary Fellow at the University of Queensland. Dr Prguda has experience in conducting research projects with both a psychological and criminological focus, and in working with various organisations and stakeholders. At GMRF, Dr Prguda is involved in research that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of current and ex-serving military personnel and their families.
How would you describe your experience of working in science and research?
As a researcher, I have the opportunity to work on various projects that can meaningfully benefit people in the community. It is interesting, challenging, and rewarding work.
What would you say to girls who are interested in or considering a career in science or research?
My advice would be to believe in yourself and in your ability to make a positive contribution in your chosen field. Being a researcher involves hard work, persistence and other skills that you can acquire through your studies and work experiences.
Dr Kim Bridle, Liver Disease Research Lead and Lab Supervisor
Dr Bridle has been a part of the GMRF family for over 13 years and recently celebrated 20 years with The University of Queensland. She has a national and international profile thanks to her continued involvement on the Gastroenterological Society of Australia’s Research Committee and editorial responsibilities. Dr Bridle’s research interests include mechanisms and therapy of hepatic fibrosis, post-transplant disease recurrence and iron overload disorders.
Dr Bridle is currently Senior Research Officer within the School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Queensland in partnership with GMRF.
What opportunities has working in science and research given you?
Science has afforded me many opportunities that other career paths may not have. I get to travel to conferences all over the world, visit other laboratories to meet and learn from the experts in my field. Being in biomedical science means I work with clinicians, scientists and consumers and each group teaches me new things every day.
What would you say to girls who are interested in or considering a career in science or research?
A career in science can be rewarding but challenging – an inquisitive mind and tenacity will serve you well. You’ll also need to have patience as the answers you are searching for don’t always come as quickly as you’d like. No two days are ever the same, so you’ll never be bored in your job.
What are your hopes for the future of women and girls in science?
Less than 12% of the winners of the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine in the last 20 years have been women. My hope is that a new generation of brilliant women in science can be recognised for their achievements at the highest level.
We are honoured to join in the celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science today by recognising the contribution that our female leaders and researchers are making toward enhancing the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families through research.
Learn more about our great team.