Diverse research teams drive greater innovation.
That's the message from Mater Research Executive Director Professor Allison Pettit today for this year’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Prof Pettit – recently appointed as the first female Executive Director of Mater’s world-renowned research institute – is encouraging more young women to seek careers across science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
“The evidence is clear—diverse research teams drive greater innovation,” Prof Pettit said.
“For the betterment of science and society, it is imperative that we ensure women and girls enthusiastically engage with STEM careers.”
Prof Pettit, a long-time advocate for diversity and inclusion in science, said girls with an interest in STEM should be encouraged to chase their career dreams.
“Many women are drawn to careers in health and medical research but they can face significant barriers to advancement, including lower promotion rates and challenges in securing research funding.
"However, positive change is happening. Increasingly women are not the minority sex in a room of senior science and research leaders.
“Mater Research is functioning better than it ever has thanks to having so much diversity.
“Life is too short to work in an industry you don’t love. If science floats your boat, then don’t hold back.”
Since joining Mater Research in 2013, Prof Pettit has led the Bones and Immunology Research Group, joining the leadership team in 2016. As the first female Executive Director of Mater Research and the first non-clinician, she is committed to ensuring that research conducted at Mater Research translates into real-world benefits for patients and the broader community.
In both leadership and research, Prof Pettit draws inspiration from the Sisters of Mercy, who have long championed the importance of education and empowerment for women and girls in STEM.
“They were a bold bunch of women who demonstrated that when you think differently, you can be incredibly innovative.
“They were thought leaders in how to drive healthcare and research forward in our community way back then.
“They really were champions of how women can contribute to society”.
Are you a school student considering a career in biomedical science?
The Translational Research Institute (TRI), where Mater Research is based, has a unique biomedical educational program for school students—SPARQ-ed (Students Performing Advanced Research Queensland education).
Delivered through a collaboration between the Department of Education and TRI, students are provided with a practical introduction to biomedical research at a cutting-edge facility featuring a fully equipped Physical Containment (PC2) teaching laboratory and learning centre.
For more information, and to apply to participate in these workshops and programs, click here.
