UQ scoops Women in Technology Awards

The University of Queensland (UQ) academics shone at this year’s Women in Technology (WiT) Gala Awards.

The 2012 WiT Gala Awards showcased the outstanding achievement of women in technology industries ranging from information technology and engineering to the science community on September 7.

UQ had strong representation in the awards’ finals with four academics clinching an accolade.

This includes UQ’s young climate change scientist, Dr Eve MacDonald-Madden from the School of Biological Sciences who won the Rising Star award.

Over the past five years Eve has made significant contributions to quantitative tools for conservation decision-making.

Taking out the Biotech Research Award was UQ’s Dr Margie Mayfield, also from the School of Biological Sciences, who has shown significant leadership potential in her budding career.

Dr Mayfield’s research focuses on the effects of human activities on plant communities.

Data and Knowledge Engineering expert, Associate Professor Shazia Sadiq from the School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (ITEE) received the Infotech Research Award. This is the third year in a row that ITEE has won an award.

On the night, the judges said they were impressed with Dr Sadiq’s combined strength of high quality research and influence on industry through ARC industry grants.

Winners received a $1000 cash prize to aid them in their career.

They also received a trophy and certificate on the night of the Gala Awards.

UQ Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Alan Lawson who assisted in presenting awards on this night said it was a great celebration of the achievements of women in IT and Biotech.

“In addition to the outstanding results for these four women, a number of others from UQ were also shortlisted,” Professor Lawson said.

“Winners spoke very warmly of the way they have been supported at UQ.”

UQ’s Diamantina Institute PhD student Jana McCaskill and School of Biological Sciences Professor Christine Beveridge were highly commended in their respective award categories (PhD Career Start Award and Biotech Outstanding Achievement Award).

WiT is one of Queensland's most respected and active technology industry associations and a peak body for women in the technology industry in Queensland developing a sustainable and growing network of members, sponsors and supporters.

UQ WiT Award Finalists:
WiT Rising Star Award: Eve MacDonald-Madden, Jenny Campbell, Miriam Hochwald Biotech Research Award: Margaret Mayfield Infotech Research Award: Shazia Sadiq, Helen Zi Huang and Margaret Mayfield WiT Biotech Outstanding Achievement Award: Christine Beveridge WiT PhD Career Start: Jana McCaskill and Alexandra Depelsenaire

Find out more information on the WiT awards.