The Australian National University (ANU) has honoured its distinguished alumni at the 2018 ANU Alumni Awards held on Friday 6 April at the National Gallery of Australia.
The annual event celebrates the depth and diversity of talent within the ANU community, and recognises the achievements of outstanding ANU alumni and their impact within our nation, our region and our world.
ANU Research School of Electrical, Energy and Materials Engineering Alumna, Dr Francesca Maclean (BE Hons ’13, BSc ’13, PhD ’17) was honoured as (Postgraduate) Student Volunteer of the Year.
Dr Maclean is a vocal advocate for women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). She co-founded Fifty50, a student-run volunteer organisation that develops an equitable and inclusive environment for STEM students at ANU, and provides a clear and supportive pathway to professional careers in STEM sectors.
Following the announcement, Dr Maclean was thrilled that the recognition will highlight the important work of Fifty50, and she spoke of the future for young women in STEM Sciences.
“We’re at a point of change and what is really important is that we continue to be disruptive voices, and not accept the status quo,” explained Dr Maclean.
“It is also really important that we see a shift of responsibility from young women and minorities who champion this, to the responsibility of everyone. It is important because this is a people issue, not just a women’s issue.”
Dr Maclean joined five ANU alumni award recipients. The ceremony also highlighted the achievements of more than 25 other Alumni and paid tribute to the work of the vast network of ANU Alumni volunteers.
For more information on the awards ceremony and recipients, visit the ANU Alumni website.
Nominations for the 2019 ANU Alumni Awards open in August 2018.