Peter Mac Women in Science Symposium 2024
Celebrate International Women's Day 2024 at Peter Mac’s Women in Science Symposium and Lea Medal presentation on Friday 1 March.
The popular annual half day symposium will feature a line-up of exciting speakers - spearheaded by keynote speaker Professor Louise Purton, PhD. Joining Professor Purton on the line-up are invited speaker Professor Sue Walker AO and consumer representative Elaine Kuri.
Hosted by Peter Mac researchers and former Lea Medallists Associate Professor Laura Forrest and Dr Lorey Smith, the 2024 Lea Medals will be presented at the symposium.
The Lea Medal recognises excellence in Peter Mac early and mid-career researchers who identify as women, providing $50,000 for career advancement opportunities thanks to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation.
Colleagues from across the Australian research community are invited to listen, learn, and connect at this positive and forward-thinking celebration of women researchers.
Register here to attend in person or online.
Keynote speaker
Professor Louise Purton, PhD - St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research
A Lab Head and former Associate Director at St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Professor Purton is an internationally recognised researcher in the field of blood cells. Her work spans fundamental to translational research and has resulted in four clinical trials to date.
A proactive diversity, equity and inclusivity advocate, Professor Purton is a founder of the Equity and Australian STEMM advocacy team. She has had a profound bilateral hearing impairment since she was a child, and has received two cochlear implants in recent years.
Invited speakers
Professor Sue Walker AO - University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women’s Health
Head of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health at The University of Melbourne, Professor Walker is also co-chair of Mercy Perinatal - a centre of excellence in clinical care, education and research in high-risk pregnancy.
Her research interests focus on improving the detection and management of fetal growth disorders, treatments for pre-eclampsia, and prevention of stillbirth.
She leads the Perinatal Sleep Research Group in collaboration with Austin Health (Institute of Breathing and Sleep), identifying the potential impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea on perinatal outcomes.
Elaine Kuri - Consumer advocate and consumer research representative
A Peter Mac patient since 2020, Elaine Kuri is passionate about improving cancer awareness and education and supporting women in leadership.
As a senior business manager, she has over two decades of experience supporting global organisations in the scientific and health sectors. With degrees in business and microbiology, Elaine places the patient experience at the centre of everything she works on, particularly after having her own cancer experiences.
Now working with Peter Mac researchers as a consumer representative, Elaine provides valuable insights and advice from her combined personal and professional experience.
Women in Science Symposium and Lea Medal Ceremony 2024
- Register here (in person or online)
- Friday 1 March
- 9.30am – 12.30pm
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St Melbourne (or online)
- Register here to attend in person or online
- Event will also be streamed live on Zoom at this link
