Australia's first Distinguished Woman in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Professor Mary Garson, from the University of Queensland’s (UQ) School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, has become the first Australian to receive a ‘Distinguished Woman in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering’ award.

Professor Garson was one of 11 winners of this year’s award, presented by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemists (IUPAC) at the 47th IUPAC General Assembly in Istanbul, Turkey. The award acknowledges and promotes the work of female chemists/chemical engineers worldwide, with winners selected based on excellence in basic or applied research, distinguished accomplishments in teaching or education, or demonstrated leadership or managerial excellence in the chemical sciences.

Professor Garson was honoured for her eminent leadership and contributions to chemistry in Australia and overseas. Her research explores the chemistry and chemical ecology of bioactive compounds from marine fauna and from medicinal plants, with the aim of understanding chemical communication in the natural world.

Professor Garson said, “Women have emerged as leaders in the worldwide science community and these awards celebrate their successes.

“However, women are still underrepresented in the top ranks of science. I am passionate about encouraging other women to make significant contributions to science, and hope that this award will prompt more Australian women scientists to put themselves forward for such awards.”

The General Assembly was held in association with the 44th World Chemistry Congress, where Professor Garson gave two invited lectures and introduced a lecture given by HRH Princess Chulabhorn of Thailand on bioactive components from Thai medicinal resources.

She will take over the position of president of the Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry Division of IUPAC in January 2014 for a two-year term.