One of Australia’s much-admired astrophysicists Prof Lisa Harvey-Smith will shine a light on the achievement of women in science at this year’s TasICT International Women’s Day address.
Prof Harvey-Smith has achieved national acclaim for her work in astrophysics, including becoming an important voice in popularizing the science of the cosmos through the ABC’s Stargazing Live series.
International Women’s Day is a high-point of the annual calendar – showcasing female leaders in technology and providing inspiration for women to excel in science and technology careers.
Prof Harvey-Smith has a strong association with Tasmania having inspired students at schools and STEM events with her career journey from a young amateur stargazer in the United Kingdom to a professional astrophysicist working with the world’s most powerful telescopes.
In 2018, she brought her self-penned When Galaxies Collide show to a sellout audience at the University of Tasmania – telling the seven-billion-year story of our incredible cosmic future.
Her book launches have inspired generations of Tasmanians to look to the stars.
The TasICT International Women’s Day address will take place at Wrest Point Showroom on Wednesday 5 March 2025, 5.30pm – 8pm.
Bookings through https://www.tasict.com.au/event/international-womens-day-event/
Short Bio – Pro Lisa Harvey-Smith
Prof Harvey-Smith is a former Australian Government’s Women in STEM Ambassador and a Professor of Practice at the University of New South Wales.
In her role as Women in STEM Ambassador, Prof Harvey-Smith was responsible for increasing the participation of women and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) studies and careers across Australia.
She is an award-winning astrophysicist with research interests in the birth and death of stars and supermassive black holes. Prof Harvey-Smith serves on the Australian Space Agency’s Advisory Group and previously worked on the Square Kilometre Array – a continent-spanning next-generation radio telescope that will survey billions of years of cosmic history.
She is a presenter on the popular ABC Television show Stargazing Live and a regular science commentator on TV and radio. In 2016 she was awarded the Eureka Prize for Promoting the Understanding of Australian Science Research and was a recipient of the CSIRO Chairman’s Medal for her contributions to the Australian SKA Pathfinder Telescope.
Lisa has written two popular science books: When Galaxies Collide and the children’s book Under the Stars: Astrophysics for Bedtime. She has performed in theatres across Australia, including her self-penned When Galaxies Collide tour in 2018 and live tours with Apollo moon-walking astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Charlie Duke and Gene Cernan.
Lisa identifies as LGBTQIA+
More Information: TasICT General Manager – Russell Kelly – 0437 100 276 – ENDS