Sue Barrell

Meteorologist and scientist

  • University of Canterbury (BSc)
  • ANU (PhD)
Scientific careerInstitutionsHonorary 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.

External links

  • Science and Technology Australia: Sue Barrell