Centre Researcher Wins Top Women in STEM Prize
QUT Associate Professor Susanna Cramb was recently honoured with the Judges’ Award at the Queensland Women in STEM Prize Awards.
The Queensland Women in STEM Prize honours extraordinary women who showcase innovation, leadership, and a relentless drive for knowledge and discovery.
Susanna received the Judges’ Award for her groundbreaking work in developing statistical methods to identify, understand, and address health inequities across Australia.
“It still feels surreal, but I believe this award recognises the importance of the work that my team and collaborators do. Plus, it proves that limitations do not have to limit you,’ said Susanna.
Susanna is a Strategic Principal Research Fellow at the Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and QUT School of Public Health & Social Work, and an Associate Investigator in the QUT Centre for Data Science.
Her research focuses on investigating difference in chronic disease and cancer outcomes based on where people live. Her work has directly informed government policy aimed at reducing those geography-based cancer inequalities.
QUT Centre for Data Science Director Kerrie Mengersen says “Susanna’s work as lead author on the Cancer Council report and journal article that identified inequities in cancer survival across Queensland led to a policy change to increase funding for rural patients to access treatment.”
“She was also a lead developer of the online Australian Cancer Atlas which is underpinned by her statistical methods.”
The Judges’ Award also recognises Susanna’s extraordinary outreach efforts
She encourages girls to pursue careers in statistics through her extensive community outreach and an award-winning video series that breaks down complex statistical concepts for young audiences.
Susanna is a vocal and prominent advocate for women in STEM.
“We need more women in STEM leadership. The exceptional women exist, it is just ensuring they do not face discrimination or needless barriers to career progression,” says Susanna.
“There are now many excellent initiatives aimed to help support and promote women in STEM. But while progress is being made, old stereotypes continue in some aspects. A recent gender equity report shows girls’ confidence in STEM subjects still tends to decrease as they go through school. And recently I was looking for a cartoon style image of a scientist, and my search results were all men!”
The Queensland Women in STEM Prize is presented by Queensland Museum in collaboration with the Queensland Government through the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation and the Office for Women. The Prize looks to champion Queensland women driving transformative change in STEM fields.
Susanna was appointed a Superstar of STEM by Science and Technology Australia for its 2019/2020 cohort and a Queensland Young Tall Poppy by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science in 2020.
She says she’s been fortunate to be a part of those programs and encourages others to follow their STEM dreams.
“Work with good people, follow your interests, ignore imposter syndrome, find your preferred balance between work and life, keep stretching yourself and enjoy the journey: STEM is a fabulous career choice, and you can achieve more than you imagine!”
Congratulations, Susanna!
