UQ scientists win Women in Technology awards

An environmental scientist and a gut pathogen researcher from the University of Queensland are among the high achievers who have been celebrated at the Women in Technology Awards.

Dr Kerrie Wilson from the UQ School of Biological Sciences won the Life Sciences Research Award for her research having a “major influence … on conservation policy internationally.”
Angie Jarrad from the Institute for Molecular Bioscience won the PhD Career Start Award for her research to develop new antibiotics.
WiT president Fiona Hayes said the awards highlighted Queensland’s “inspiring” depth of talent.
“Every entrant is making a difference in technology and life sciences,” she said.
“The professionalism, intelligence and ambition of these women is just extraordinary.”
The awards, spanning nine categories,  are in their 18^th year.
“Every year the awards grow—in status, nominations, support from sponsors and attendees,” Ms Hayes said.
“Pioneering lifesaving medical research, developing vaccines and medicines, driving global conservation and running successful and innovative businesses—these women are leading the way in technology and life sciences.”
Ms Hayes said Dr Wilson’s research informed conservation spending at global, national, and local levels.
“The underlying theory and data from Kerrie’s work has had broad implications for how the sector operates and has since been used by CSIRO, state and federal environment departments, and non-government organisations,” she said.

“Kerrie is the UQ node leader of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions and is regularly engaged in scientific and community service roles ensuring that her research directly translates into practical outcomes.”
Ms Hayes said Angie Jarrad was a passionate researcher with more than eight years’ experience in biological and chemical sciences.
“Angie’s research is focused on the development of antibiotics to fight gut pathogens,” she said.
“She has skills in drug discovery, organic synthesis and microbiology as well as in project management, communication and writing.
“Angie is a Young Science Ambassador for the ATSE Wonder of Science program and an IMB Science Ambassador.
“Her PhD research is focused on developing novel antibiotics to fight anaerobic bacteria. Angie is also an Australian Postgraduate Award recipient.”
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