Mary Mansilla recognised in Out for Australia awards

PhD student Mary Mansilla has been recognised as a 2020 ‘Out for Australia’ 30 Under 30 winner for her achievements as an emerging scientist, an exceptional advocate for diversity and inclusivity, and as a future leader.

The national LGBTQIA+ career mentorship organisation Out For Australia, proudly supported by the Boston Consulting Group, announced the 2020 winners of the 30 Under 30 awards in a virtual ceremony on Tuesday, 24 November.

Hosted by comedian Tom Ballard, with the keynote address delivered by Magda Szubanski AO, the annual event recognised and commended the significant contributions by young, pioneering LGBTQIA+ role models across the country.

“This prestigious award is an incredible honour,” Mary said. “Thank you to all of the brilliant past and present LGBTQIA+ people who have paved the way forward to allow me to be embraced, nurtured and celebrated as a queer researcher in STEM.”

In addition to this award, Mary recently represented QueersInScience in the 59^th Australian Society for Medical Research National Scientific Conference 2020 for their Diversity, Inclusivity and Allyship in Health and Medical Research Professional Development session.

In recognition of the annual LGBT+ STEM Day (Wednesday, 18 November), Mary joined fellow Hudson Institute researcher Dr Erin McGillick and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute’s Professor Vera Ignjatovic to highlight the importance of promoting active and informed allyship for diverse and underrepresented groups in STEM.