©Pat Hutchings
This page and last- Dr Patricia Hutchings sampling polychaetes around Lizard Island, Qld, in the mid 1970s The role of women in Australian marine science has progressed from a time of gender divide, to a new and vibrant era where gender should no longer limit career directions. In 1990, AMSA saw it’s membership grow to 996 members of which 217 were females (22%). Examining our historical documents we see just this – the progressive rise of our female AMSA members into both leadership positions and executive roles across a wide variety of career pathways within many marine science disciplines. Rather than attempt to list the involvement of every female AMSA member over our 50 year history, the focus here is to celebrate a positive and successful story of women in a professional scientific society through a brief summary. In recognition of all past and present women of AMSA we acknowledge their contribution and applaud their involvement.
Foundation Years Woman contributed much to the discussion and activities of AMSA during the early foundation years. Resisting the gender bias of the times, Isobel Bennett played a vital role amongst the group of marine scientists who established the association. The first woman to represent AMSA on national council was Hope Macpherson (1962-1964) followed shortly after by Elizabeth Pope (1966-68) who joined the council as Bulletin Editor. We find a number of prominent female scientists amongst
42 | Australian Marine Science Bulletin
our founding members.These women include; Judith Badham, Isobel Bennett, Judith Bryan, Ann Cameron, Jean Carter, Sophie Ducker, Faith Evans, Helen Grigg, Dorothy Hill, Paulette McWilliam, Hope MacPherson, Elizabeth Pope, Norah Sproston, Thistle Stead, Dale Straughan, Dorothy Svenson, Jan Watson, Elise Wollaston.
Building a Community of Marine Scientists A point of change for women in AMSA came during the 1970s. Four women came to occupy council positions and revolutionised the role of women on council and within the association itself. These women were Jan Watson (Councillor: 1972-1975), Pat Dixon (Secretary: 1972-1976), Patricia Hutchings (Assistant Secretary: 1972-1975) and Rosa Allen (Treasurer: 1975-1992). Since that time, women have always held several executive positions on the AMSA national council with Narelle Hall the long-serving Treasurer from late 1999-2011. It was not until Wendy Craik in 1991 (1991-1992), that the association had its first female AMSA president. Since then four more female presidents have led the association; Maria Byrne (20002002), Gina Newton (2004-2006) Lynnath Beckley (2010- 2012) and Sabine Dittmann (2012- present). Many women have historically held the position of AMSA Editor over the years. Elizabeth Pope was our first female Editor. Vivienne Mawson was the Editor