CSIRO leader Dr Sarah Pearce has today been recognised for her contribution to the development of the astronomy and space sectors as NSW Telstra Business Woman of the Year 2020, and winner of the NSW ‘Public Sector & Academia’ category.
In her role as Deputy Director of CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science, Dr Pearce leads CSIRO’s involvement in the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project to build the world’s largest radio telescope, and was Australia’s science negotiator for the SKA international treaty. Dr Pearce also leads CSIRO’s space research program, which includes the CSIRO Centre for Earth Observation and our share of the NovaSAR-1 satellite facility.
CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall congratulated Dr Pearce on this recognition of her contribution to CSIRO, the development of the international Square Kilometre Array project and the emerging Australian space sector.
“I made a personal recommendation for Sarah. Sarah is an expert in her field, but she also has incredible leadership abilities. She builds trust with her stakeholders and is highly respected by the people she works with for her integrity, her dedication and her drive to bring success to those around her.
“Sarah is a great example of the calibre of people I have the pleasure of working with at CSIRO, who are among the best in the world. Not only are they world-class scientists, but they come to work every day to solve the toughest challenges facing Australia, to turn our science into solutions that make life better for everyone.
“Sarah’s contribution to our Astronomy and Space Science program has been immense, and I offer my sincere thanks. I heartily congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition, and look forward to what’s next.”
On receiving the award Dr Pearce said, “I strongly believe in trying to leave the world a better place, and that my route for this is through science and technology”.
The Telstra Business Women’s Awards, now in their 25th year, recognise the most outstanding women in leadership, in categories including small and large business, social enterprise, public sector and academia, and emerging leaders.
