Month: March 2025

Ruth Knibbe is an ARC Future Fellow, Associate Professor, and Deputy Head of the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering at the University of Queensland. After earning her PhD in Australia, she worked in Denmark and New Zealand, focusing on high-temperature electrolysis (steam and CO₂) and superconductors. Her research explores materials for energy generation and storage, with a focus on electrochemistry and electron microscopy. She is passionate about research and thrives on collaborating with diverse, interdisciplinary teams.

What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your work, and how have you experienced the impact of these?

More than mentorship, I have benefited from advocacy. You need to know that people have your back when you aren’t in the room. These soft powers are incredibly important in the initial stages of our careers.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in your field of work, and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I have faced is managing caring responsibilities in a male-dominated environment. Balancing the demands of caregiving for children and family alongside an intense job that requires travel is difficult. While we can include a brief statement on performance relative to opportunity for funding applications, the impact of caregiving is generally only acknowledged in relation to specific leave, rather than as a continuous factor.

I have navigated this challenge by taking it one step at a time while also advocating for men to take the parental leave they are entitled to. Encouraging shared caregiving responsibilities not only eases the burden on individuals but also benefits society as a whole.

This year’s theme is “March Forward”. What do you think are the next steps towards a gender-equal future?

Ensuring strong collaboration between diverse teams needs to be at the core of what is done – this is how we unpick the most difficult challenges.

We need to listen to the voices of emerging researchers to understand the challenges they are currently facing as the challenges are always evolving.

How do you see the role of women evolving in the field of chemical engineering and sustainability over the next decade?

There are already many prominent women working in this space in industry. What I would love to see is more women leading in the space of entrepreneurship and leadership.

What advice would you give to young women and girls who aspire to pursue careers in STEM, particularly in chemical engineering and sustainability?

Know yourself. Find your own independent voice. Establish your pathway & have lots of fun along the way.

Kaori Sugita is a Senior Project Officer at GETCO2, based at The University of Queensland. She is passionate about sustainable development and the power of global collaboration. With a background in social science (Master of Peace and Conflict Studies, UQ), she spent 4.5 years at UQ Global Partnerships, coordinating international projects across the Asia-Pacific and hosting global delegations. Now, she is proud to contribute to GETCO2’s mission toward NetZero, supporting sustainability initiatives worldwide. 

What challenges have you faced as a woman in your field of work, and how have you overcome them?

Gender bias still exists in the workplace, making career progression challenging. I’ve personally faced inappropriate questions during job interviews about marriage and children, highlighting ongoing biases. While these experiences can be disheartening, I’ve learned the importance of resilience—staying calm, standing firm in my abilities, and not allowing bias to define my worth or career path.

This year’s theme is “March Forward”. What do you think are the next steps towards a gender-equal future?

We need more female leaders in all sectors to drive real change. While progress has been made, we must not overestimate the current situation or assume that gender equality has been fully achieved. Societies should continue strengthening policies, representation, and opportunities to ensure diversity and inclusion remain a priority. Gender equality is an ongoing journey, and we must keep pushing forward together.

How do you see the role of women evolving in the field of chemical engineering and sustainability over the next decade?

Progress is slow, but I see more women stepping into leadership roles. A positive shift is the growing encouragement for women in STEM—at GETCO2, we have nearly equal gender representation among PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. It’s inspiring to see these young women shaping the future, and I hope to see them become the next generation of leaders.

What advice would you give to young women and girls who aspire to pursue careers in STEM (Science, technology, engineering and mathematics), particularly in chemical engineering and sustainability?

STEM fields remain male-dominated, but don’t let that discourage you. Your gender or cultural background should never limit your potential. However, it’s also okay to ask for help—universities like UQ offer crisis lines and counselling services, and many workplaces have support programs.

Most importantly, you don’t need to change yourself to fit in. If a workplace doesn’t allow people to be themselves, that’s a problem with the system—not you. Stay strong, be yourself, and always support others along the way!

Dr Jinshuo Zou is an early career research fellow at the School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide. She leads the catalysis sub-group in Prof. Zaiping Guo’s team, focusing on the development of advanced functional materials for electrochemical CO₂ reduction, electrolyser design, and metal-CO₂ batteries, for efficient CO₂ utilisation and energy storage. Her research aims to drive innovation in sustainable energy solutions and carbon-neutral technologies.

Read Jinshuo’s take on United Nations Australia International Women’s Day 2025 theme, ‘March Forward’.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in your field of work, and how have you overcome them?

Throughout my PhD and early career, I have faced the constant challenge of balancing work and life. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I juggled the demands of motherhood while successfully completing my studies. Even now, I continue to navigate the dual challenges of raising children and managing my professional responsibilities. Despite these obstacles, I have remained unwavering in my pursuit of scientific research, demonstrating resilience, determination, and an enduring dedication to my career.

What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your work, and how have you experienced the impact of these?

Mentorship and collaboration are key to my research journey. The guidance of my mentors has been invaluable, not only in shaping my scientific approach but also in helping me navigate the delicate balance between work and life. In turn, I support PhD students, fostering an environment of shared knowledge and innovation. Collaboration, especially within our GETCO2 centre, has been vital in advancing research, expanding scientific horizons, and building lasting friendships while creating new opportunities.

How do you see the role of women evolving in the field of chemical engineering and sustainability over the next decade?

I believe women will play an increasingly vital role in chemical engineering and sustainability. As awareness of gender diversity grows, more women will rise to leadership, drive groundbreaking research, and tackle global challenges. Strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and policy support will further amplify their impact, paving the way for greater innovation and progress in these fields.

What advice would you give to young women and girls who aspire to pursue careers in STEM, particularly in chemical engineering and sustainability?

Follow your dreams with courage. The journey may be long and full of challenges, but if you are determined, you will achieve your goals. As a woman in STEM, you may face additional difficulties, but these experiences will only make you stronger. Stay curious, be persistent, and surround yourself with supportive mentors and peers who inspire you to grow.

Mengmeng Yang is a PhD candidate in the School of Chemistry at the University of New South Wales, working under the guidance of Prof. Chuan Zhao. Her research centers on electrochemical CO₂ reduction utilizing copper-based catalysts. She aims to deepen the understanding of catalytic mechanisms and develop innovative strategies to enhance the performance of these catalysts, enabling the efficient conversion of CO₂ into valuable fuels and chemicals. Through her exploration of advanced technologies and materials, she aspires to drive the practical applications of electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction forward.

What are you most proud of in your career/work in GETCO2?

In my work with GETCO2, one of the things I am most proud of is the opportunity to connect with many outstanding scholars. Regularly engaging in discussions with them on academic topics has not only deepened my knowledge and expertise but has also helped me overcome numerous challenges in my research. These interactions have been invaluable in broadening my perspective and advancing my work, and I am grateful for the collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment that GETCO2 provides.

What role do mentorship and collaboration play in your work, and how have you experienced the impact of these?

In my work, mentorship and collaboration play a vital role. My supervisor, Prof. Chuan Zhao, has provided me with opportunities to grow and contribute to meaningful projects. I’ve already collaborated with peers in our GETCO2, which has brought diverse perspectives and enriched my research. Looking ahead, I hope to expand these collaborations and work with even more researchers to foster innovation and achieve greater impact in our field.

This year’s theme is “March Forward’. What do you think are the next steps towards a gender-equal future?

• Mentorship and Networking Programs: Establish mentorship initiatives connecting early-career female researchers with experienced professionals. Create networks to share opportunities, resources, and support.
• Visibility and Recognition: Highlight the achievements of women in research through awards, conferences, and publications. This not only celebrates their contributions but also inspires the next generation.
• Career Development Resources: Offer training in grant writing, leadership, and technical skills to help women advance in their research careers.

How do you see the role of women evolving in the field of chemical engineering and sustainability over the next decade?

I think women will increasingly take on leadership positions in research, academia, and industry, shaping the direction of projects.
Women will be driving sustainable innovation by contributing significantly to the development of sustainable technologies, such as renewable energy systems and carbon capture methods, addressing critical issues. And as more women advance in their careers, they will mentor and inspire the next generation, creating a stronger support network for young women entering the field.
I am also confident women will play a key role in fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, bringing together diverse expertise for research.