Sue Barrell

Sue Barrell
AO FTSE
Sue Barrell in 2019
Alma mater
Scientific career
InstitutionsHonorary at Bureau of Meteorology

Sue Barrell AO FTSE was chief scientist at the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM). In 2013 she was awarded a Fellow of the Academy of Technology and Engineering (FTSE).[1] In 2018, Barrell was elected Vice President of Science and Technology Australia.[2] Amongst other topics, she has worked on international science policy[3] climate monitoring, research and policy, and ocean–earth observations.[4] Barrell was the first female meteorologist to join the senior Executive team of the BoM.[5] She was the first female elected to leadership of a WMO Technical Commission (vice-president, Commission for Basic Systems)[6] and was one of the early female forecasters.[7]

Career

Barrell was vice-president of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Commission for Basic Systems. In addition Barrell served as a member on the Australian Space Industry Innovation Council. Further, she was the principal delegate for Australia to the Group on Earth Observations (GEO).[1]

Although retired, she continues to be actively engaged as an invited speaker,[8] in the WMO and its executive council and through the WMO Commission on Basic Systems, coordinating earth observations.[1]

Diversity in science

Barrell has spent much of her career supporting women in STEMM, and describing her career experiences in order to be a role model for younger scientists.[5][9] Barrell has encouraged younger women scientists to take up a career in meteorology, as for women as it offers many opportunities, "and can take you around the world".[1] During her work for Women in Science, she said "there was never any doubt that a career in science was for her".[5] She has completed numerous engagements, encouraging younger scientists and advocating for diversity in science.[10]

"We need to get everyone – boys and girls – on a level playing field when it comes to STEMM and build their confidence."[11]

Awards

  • 2013 – Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering[12]
  • 2016–17 – Permanent Representative for Australia with the WMO in addition to being a member of executive council.
  • 2017–18 – Inaugural STA Superstar of STEM.[13]
  • 2022 – Officer of the Order of Australia for "distinguished service to earth science through meteorology and research organisations".[14]
  • 2022 - International Meteorological Organization Prize[15]

Early life

Barrell was born in England, 1953, and moved to New Zealand at the age of four.[16][17] She went to a public girls school where she was encouraged that she could "do anything". The school had a well-organised science program and encouraging teachers, which inspired her passion for science.[17]

Media

Barrell's work on meteorology and gender equity in STEM has been described in the following media articles:

  • Her work opening the first Observing Operations Hub in Darwin, was described by the media.[18][19]
  • She opened a platform for global information on weather, climate and environmental data to allow sharing through the United Nations Meteorological Organisation (WMO).[20]
  • Her equality in STEMM work has been described by the BoM media.[5]
  • Her career has been profiled by the Women in STEMM Australia program.[21]
  • She led the National Science Week feature on Radio National in 2018.[22]
  • Barrell was the key note speaker at the Academy of Science Shine Annual Symposium.[23]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Women in Meteorology". World Meteorological Organization. 11 November 2015. Archived from the original on 18 December 2023. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
  2. ^ "Dr Sue Barrell". Science and Technology Australia. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
  3. ^ "Barrell, Susan Lesley (1953–)". Encyclopedia of Australian Science. Retrieved 15 July 2021.
  4. ^ "Australian Ocean Observing Partnership" (PDF).
  5. ^ a b c d "Science and gender equality: Women in weather". Social Media Blog – Bureau of Meteorology. 10 February 2017. Archived from the original on 10 March 2021. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
  6. ^ "Commission for Basic Systems: Fourteenth session. Dubrovnik, 25 March–2 April 2009" (PDF). World Meteorological Organization. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 June 2017.
  7. ^ "The weather women: How a group of pioneers brought equality to Australian meteorology – Social Media Blog – Bureau of Meteorology". media.bom.gov.au. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
  8. ^ "2018 Speakers | C3DIS 2019". Retrieved 16 August 2019.
  9. ^ "Leading the way towards gender parity – Social Media Blog – Bureau of Meteorology". media.bom.gov.au. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
  10. ^ "Superstars of STEM | University of Technology Sydney". www.uts.edu.au. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
  11. ^ ""You can't be what you can't see" – women leading the charge for STEM careers". Bright-r. 13 February 2019. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
  12. ^ "Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia" (PDF). The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
  13. ^ "Dr Sue Barrell". Science and Technology Australia. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
  14. ^ "Australia Day 2022 Honours List" (PDF). Office of the Governor-General of Australia. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
  15. ^ "Sue Barrell of Australia honored for outstanding leadership". World Meteorological Organization. 24 June 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  16. ^ Centre, The University of Melbourne eScholarship Research. "Resource – Trove – Encyclopedia of Australian Science". www.eoas.info. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
  17. ^ a b "Sue Barrell's 'Balancing Act'". www.austehc.unimelb.edu.au. August 1996. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
  18. ^ "Media Release – Bureau of Meteorology Newsroom". media.bom.gov.au. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
  19. ^ "Unique operations hubs boost Bureau of Meteorology reach in remote areas". www.awa.asn.au. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
  20. ^ "Media Release – Bureau of Meteorology Newsroom". media.bom.gov.au. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
  21. ^ Australia, Women in STEMM (17 February 2018). "STEMM PROFILE: Dr Sue Barrell, FTSE | Deputy Director, Observations and Infrastructure | Bureau of Meteorology | Australian Government | Melbourne | VIC". Women in STEMM Australia. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
  22. ^ "Whatever the Weather: inside the Bureau of Meteorology". Radio National. 13 August 2018. Retrieved 20 August 2019.
  23. ^ "Science at the Shine Dome 2018". www.science.org.au. Retrieved 20 August 2019.