New medal for women in science

The Australian Academy of Science has announced the new Nancy Millis Medal to recognise Australian women scientists.

The medal has been struck by the academy as a tribute to the late Emeritus Professor Nancy Millis, who introduced fermentation technologies to Australia and created the first applied microbiology course taught at an Australian university.

“This medal honours the contributions made to science by Professor Millis and recognises her importance as a role model for aspiring female scientists in Australia,” said Academy President Professor Suzanne Cory.

A Fellow of the academy, Professor Millis completed a degree in agriculture in Melbourne in 1945, a PhD from Cambridge in 1952, became senior demonstrator the Department of Microbiology at the University of Melbourne in 1952 and lecturer in 1954.

She was awarded a personal chair in 1982 - only the fourth woman appointed professor at the university - and held it until her retirement.

She also worked tirelessly to establish links between universities and industry.

Professor Millis became the chancellor of La Trobe University in 1992, a position she also held until her retirement in 2006.

She made a huge contribution to molecular genetics in Australia by serving as chairman of the initial Monitoring Committee for recombinant DNA and then as the first chair of the Genetic Manipulation Advisory Committee.

“Professor Millis had a great sense of humour and her practical forthright approach, coupled with notable conflict resolution skills, made her a greatly valued and well-loved member of the academic community,” said Professor Cory.

The medal recognises outstanding research and exceptional leadership by early- to mid-career Australian women who have established independent research in the natural sciences.

Nominations are now open for the new medal and to inspire a new generation of female scientists.

The award is restricted to candidates who are normally a resident in Australia and for research conducted mainly in Australia. Deadline for nominations is 10 February 2014.