International Women’s Day – Accelerating Action with Dr Annie Colebatch

Dr Annie Colebatch uses chemistry to address the challenges of sustainability. It is a big picture problem that starts by understanding what is happening at the atomic level to build catalysts used in renewable energy generation and clean chemical production with net-zero carbon emissions.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Centre Associate Investigator Dr Annie Colebatch reflects on her journey in science and the ongoing push for gender equality in STEM.

”I only wanted to study science, and I loved maths, but it was when I got to university that I discovered the fascination of chemistry,” says Annie.

Annie leads the Colebatch lab at Australian National University’s Research School of Chemistry where her time is split between research and teaching.

“I like the combination of learning through research and learning through teaching, plus the wonderful students and colleagues that I get to work with,” says Annie.

Yet, like many women in STEM, Annie’s career hasn’t been without its challenges. As a woman in a STEM field historically dominated by men, she has often found herself navigating a system that wasn’t built for her.

“A lot of the ways we think about the way we do science, the role of an academic, and what is perceived as merit, has been defined through the lens of a man,” she explains.

“My priorities and my approach to working doesn’t align well with many aspects of the current system. It has been helpful for me to identify this and to take an approach that aligns with my values and priorities, rather than trying to fit into an external projection of how a scientist should work.”

With this year’s International Women’s Day theme of Accelerate Action, Annie emphasises the importance of fostering conversations about gender equality and creating an inclusive, supportive environment in STEM.

“We need to actively seek opportunities to promote the work and careers of female colleagues, as well as proactively question whether the approaches taken in workplaces supports everyone who work there,” she says.

“I am looking forward to this continuing to change as the workforce becomes more diverse, which makes space for different ways of having conversations and doing science.”