A trailblazer in physics and rights for women in science

Saturday, February 11, 2023

Melanie Campbell
Professor Melanie Campbell is known for developing improved understanding of the eye’s optics and high-resolution imaging of the retina at the rear of the eye. Currently she is developing light-activated treatments for eye disease and non-invasive imaging techniques for the detection of Alzheimer's disease at University of Waterloo, Canada. Professor Campbell was the first woman to graduate with a PhD in applied mathematics from Australian National University (ANU).

The joint conveners of ANU Women* in Physics, Astro and Engineering, Dr Noemie Bastidon and Dr Julie Tournet, both researchers at the ANU Research School of Physics, joined Professor Campbell in conversation to discuss how she navigated her successful career in academia and advocated for women’s rights in universities along the way.

From negotiating the first-ever maternity leave at CSIRO and juggling a young family as an academic, to her roles in university equity and diversity leadership, Professor Campbell generously shares her experiences as one of the few women amongst her peers.

>> go to the conversation