Lyn’s professional career has focussed on neuroscience with research spanning prevention of and recovery from brain damage to colour vision in Australian marsupials. This time, based at UWA, was followed by Lyn’s appointment as Chief Scientist of Western Australia (2006 to 2013). Lyn continues to promote Science with a special focus on young people and on women. These aims have been boosted by Lyn being awarded Officer of the Order of Australia, becoming a Trustee of the West Australian Museum, being selected as the WA Australian of the Year (2015), becoming an inductee into the WA Science Hall of Fame and the WA Women's Hall of Fame, being elected a Fellow of both the Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering as well as a Companion of the Institute of Engineers. Lyn is particularly delighted that three species bear her name and that many of her team have become leaders in academe and beyond.
Most important experiences while at UWA
Huge support for my research and the chance to experience being on boards and committees at early stages of my career.
Support, especially from the Vice Chancellor Professor Alan Robson AO CITWA (much beloved by many of us) when I was seconded to be WA Chief Scientist.
Where did you think you would end up, when you began your career?
I wanted to continue and build my career in neuroscience research via the two-year UWA Research Fellowship, followed by a Career Fellowship from the National Health and Medical Research Council. My wonderful team grew and my horizons widened.
I had no vision of becoming WA Chief Scientist: indeed I did not apply but the Government approached me (I am so happy they did!).
What are some of your most significant achievements?
- Officer, Order of Australia
- WA Australian of the Year 2015
- Fellowships: Australian Academy of Science, Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering
- Companion, Institute of Engineers
- Three species bear my name
- Four Honorary Degrees (ECU, ANU, Monash University, Murdoch University)
- Promoting STEM and Women in Science in WA and nationally
- Establishing Microscopes in Schools Program, Financial Toolbox, Famelab Australia
What has been the most interesting aspect of your career?
Everything!
Where are you planning to go from here? Are there new interests you are looking to get involved in?
Continue and/or extent the following:
Local and national boards and committees, being Patron of numerous organisations (health including social welfare, education, environment), mentoring, promoting STEM in schools and Women in Science, supporting School Laboratory Technicians, extending the potential of the City of Mandurah, working to protect women from financial and/or domestic abuse, promoting programs for the neurodiverse community.