The Glen Waverley Campus had the privilege of welcoming Professor Margaret Hellard AM to speak at our IWD Breakfast, where close to 100 students, parents and staff gathered in the Coates Pavilion. Professor Hellard is a Deputy Director at the Burnet Institute, Head of Hepatitis Services in the Infectious Diseases Unit at the Alfred Hospital and an Adjunct Professor of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology at Monash University and University of Melbourne. With the theme of #BreakTheBias, Professor Hellard spoke broadly about a career in the Sciences being an option for all, and the many and varied opportunities available for women with an interest in science.
It was great to hear Professor Hellard talk about current research and treatments for diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis and her real-world experience having to navigate the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the late 1980s and early 1990s, where there was no effective treatment and a great deal of stigma around the disease. She recounted harrowing moments of losing patients during this time period. Today, these patients have a much more promising outlook thanks to the commitment of scientists and their pursuit of more effective medications and treatments.
Professor Hellard also spoke about ‘chance’ and ‘privilege’. By chance, we were born into a place and time where war, famine and extreme poverty are not part of our daily lives. Indeed, we were born into a place of privilege, having shelter, food and most importantly, access to education. The strongest message of the morning was to value education, as so many around the world do not have access to this privilege. Her message was clear – be curious and always educate yourself.
It was an inspiring morning, filled with practical ways we can use both chance and privilege to improve our circumstances and outcomes for others and will no doubt, encourage many young women to seriously consider science as a potential and rewarding career path.
Sheriden Vella, Head of Campus
Here are some snapshots of students and staff from our IWD Breakfast.
