Three researchers from Griffith’s Menzies Health Institute Queensland have been recognised with an International Women’s Day Leadership Award.
International Women’s Day (8 March) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.
Professor Wendy Moyle
The awards were presented to Professor Suzanne Chambers for Leadership in Community, Professor Wendy Moyle for Leadership in Community and Professor Roianne West, who received the Leadership in Social Justice Commemorative Award, at a ceremony at the Gold Coast Arts Centre.
“These awards demonstrate the outstanding commitment of these three women scientists,” said MenziesHIQ Director Professor Sheena Reilly.
“Each of their individual stories is truly inspirational, with each of them being fabulous mentors to other women in science. All demonstrate their commitment to leadership and excellence within the local community.
“However there are so many great women in leadership at Griffith University that there could have been many more nominees for these awards.”
Professor Suzanne Chambers is a world leading researcher into the psychological effects of cancer and how best to provide support for individuals and couples.
Professor Suzanne Chambers
Drawing from more than 25 years of health psychology and research, Suzanne has numerous strings to her bow, including being an Australian Research Council Future Fellow, author of a book entitled ‘Facing the Tiger: A Guide for Men with Prostate Cancer and the People who Love them’ and is chief investigator on successful research grants valued over $26.5M. She works closely with the Cancer Council Queensland, Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia, Cancer Australia and Beyond Blue — all working towards the best possible prospects of preventing, detecting, treating and surviving a cancer diagnosis. Most recently, Suzanne was appointed the Menzies Foundation inaugural Professor of Allied Health Research.
Professor Wendy Moyle is highly regarded and internationally renowned for her research and work with social robots and improving the quality of life and care for people living with dementia. Wendy’s commitment has resulted in some impressive achievements including being the first nurse to be elected to the International Psychogeriatric Association Board of Directors. Wendy established and leads the first Social and Assistive Technology Laboratory in Australia and holds two Visiting Professor appointments at City University and Northumbria University, both in the UK. She is a highly sought-after spokesperson in this field and has been awarded the Griffith University Media Excellence Award, for the past two years for her extensive media engagement. Most recently, Wendy was appointed the Director of the ‘Optimising Health Outcomes’ Research Program at MenziesHIQ.
Professor Roianne West
Professor Roianne West is the inspiration behind Griffith University’s First Peoples Health Unit. Roianne is a strong advocate for pathways to health programs in higher education. Her belief in building a more highly skilled and educated Indigenous Australia is critical to driving towards equal opportunities for all Australians. This phenomenal women brings 20 years experience in Indigenous Health to our university, has a Bachelor in Nursing, Masters of Mental Health Nursing and also completed her PhD. She is committed to inspiring and supporting Indigenous people pursuing higher education.
