Hudson Institute of Medical Research scientist Dr Erin McGillick has received the national QueersInScience Scott Johnson Memorial Award for contribution to LGBTIQA+ advocacy in STEM.
Dr McGillick was recognised for her LGBTIQA+ advocacy work in 2020 at the institutional and national level.
As a member of the Equity and Diversity Committee at Hudson Institute, Dr McGillick has focused on growing the Institute's LGBT+ STEM focused initiatives.
Together with Dr Beth Allison they have established the Hudson Institute Ally Network and hosted celebrations for LGBT+ STEM Day. She is also a member of the Monash Ally Network.
At the national level, Dr McGillick has led the diversity and inclusion theme as a Director of the Australian Society for Medical Research with a focus on the importance of allyship in the health and medical research sector. She has also generated visibility for the diversity of researchers as well as their research.
Dr McGillick said: "I am incredibly honoured to have received this award for my work to support and empower people in the LGBTIQA+ community to reach their full potential in the field of STEM. I am so grateful to the allies who have worked with me to help make these initiatives possible and I look forward to continuing to create environments where nobody has to choose between being between who they are and doing the job that they love."
The award judges said: "Dr McGillick's passion for the inclusion and visibility of LGBTQIA+ people in the workplace has driven some great initiatives. She demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and communicating with the diverse audiences that need to provide that support."
The award recognises work towards improving lives and making workplaces safer and more inclusive for LGBTIQA+ people in STEM. It is named in honour of Scott Johnson, a brilliant mathematician and PhD student who was killed in a gay hate crime at a Sydney beat in 1988. At the time of his death, Scott was 27.
The award was presented at an event held live in Melbourne and streamed nationally on Monday, 17 May, the international day of homophobia, biphobia, intersexism and transphobia (IDAHOBIT).
Dr McGillick was invited to present a seminar about her journey as a scientist and perspectives on advocacy in STEM.
We are looking forward to growing our Hudson Ally network in 2021 and beyond. Our first batch of ally rainbow lanyard pins sold out and have now been restocked for staff and students to order through the Hudson Institute intranet.
