Trailblazing earth scientist Professor Dorothy Hill’s legacy of mentoring woman scientists will continue to be celebrated following a donation from The University of Queensland.
UQ’s office of the Vice Chancellor and the Faculty of Science have contributed funds to the Australian Academy of Science to secure the Academy’s Dorothy Hill Medal in perpetuity.
UQ Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Høj said he was delighted to support the medal, which the Academy established in 2002 in honour of the late Professor Hill.
“Professor Hill had a long history with UQ – she was an outstanding student who later became the first female professor at an Australian university when she accepted a position at UQ, and continued to lead the way for women and scientists over her extensive career,” he said.
“It’s fitting that we honour her memory by providing funds to continue her great work in supporting and celebrating women in earth sciences.”
Professor Hill was the first Australian female Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science (1956), the Royal Society of London (1965), and the first female president of the Australian Academy of Science (1970).
Seventeen female early career researchers have been awarded the Dorothy Hill Medal since its inception, with Associate Professor Tracy Ainsworth from James Cook University the latest recipient.
Associate Professor Ainsworth said Professor Hill continued to be an inspiration and a role model for scientists in the earth sciences, particularly early career researchers.
“Her achievements and leadership are as relevant today as they were throughout her ground-breaking career,” she said.
“The Dorothy Hill Medal in Earth Sciences provides support and an invaluable opportunity to showcase the research of women in earth sciences.
“It is wonderful that through the support of the University of Queensland, this medal will continue to recognise the achievements of leading early career female earth scientists.”
Read more about Professor Hill here and here and the award here and here.
Media: UQ Communications, communications@uq.edu.au, +61 7 3365 3439.
