Sue Barrell

Meteorologist and scientist From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sue Barrell

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]

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Sue Barrell
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Sue Barrell in 2019
Alma mater
Scientific career
InstitutionsHonorary at Bureau of Meteorology
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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

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