We love celebrating our people. In addition to our CSIRO Award winners, many of our scientists have received wider recognition for their work. We're shining the spotlight on a few of our science champions in 2020.
Climate scientist acknowledged on national stage
Our climate scientist, Dr Jess Melbourne-Thomas, was named Tasmanian Australian of the Year.
Jess is a pioneer in science and a champion for women in STEM. Her focus is to understand and predict the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems. And she wants to connect the science with policy for better decision-making.
Her win put the things she stands for – women in science, marine ecosystems and climate change research – in the spotlight. Find out more about Jess and what her job looks like day-to-day.
Australia Day honours for three scientists
The Australia Day honours recognises Australians who have excelled in their fields. Two of our people took home an Order of Australia medal and one received the Public Service Medal in 2020.
CSIRO Fellow and ecologist, Dr Brian Walker, received an Order of Australia for his service to science, notably in ecosystem ecology and research. Watch him talk about how nature can teach us about resilience and the importance of adapting on The Drum.
Our Board member and molecular biology scientist, Dr Peter Riddles, received an Order of Australia for his significant service to science, biotechnology and innovation.
Our materials scientist, Dr Matthew Hill, received a Public Service Medal for his work in materials development. He is an expert in nanomaterials (really small chemical substances). For example, his nanomaterials work protects Australian soldiers.
Find out more about the three recipients.
A leading voice in her field
Our astrophysicist, Dr Sarah Pearce, is an astronomer and renowned expert in space science. She has played a leading role in our involvement in the international Square Kilometre Array project to build the world's largest radio telescope.
This year, Sarah was named NSW Telstra Business Woman of the Year, awarded Executive of the Year at the Australian Space Awards and made a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering.
Lithium battery research power
Dr Marzi Barghamadi received the L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science 2020 Fellowship for her lithium battery research.
She is developing the next generation of lithium batteries that offer higher energy and longer life. Her research will help with the commercialisation of lithium metal batteries. It will also help scientists develop batteries that produce more energy, are safer and last longer.
Fellows elected by their peers
In May, three of our scientists became Fellows to the Australian Academy of Science. They were all elected by their peers.
Our climatologist, Dr Wenju Cai, is a world authority on climate variability, ocean dynamics, and ocean-atmosphere interactions. His work has led to major improvements in climate simulations and climate projections.
Our ecotoxicologist, Dr Jenny Stauber, is an international leader in ecotoxicology which is the study of metal contaminants in aquatic environments. She developed a range of assessment protocols including the national water and sediment quality guidelines for environmental regulation in Australasia.
And our Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley, also became a Fellow. Her scientific achievements are huge but her dedication to the STEM community is even bigger. Cathy has been appointed Australia's next Chief Scientist.
Congratulations to all our amazing people!