Women Scientists Boost Australia's Biosecurity System
To mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is celebrating the women whose scientific expertise help protect Australia's agriculture, environment and biosecurity systems.
One of those leaders is Dr Julie Pattemore, she has spent 25 years working in plant pathology, molecular biology, universities, government and international research.
Julie began her career at the lab bench as a research assistant. She took every chance to build her skills, including returning to university while working. She has since become a national leader in plant health diagnostics and lab innovation.
Julie has worked at DAFF for more than seven years. She leads major programs that are changing how plant health diagnostics are done. She once led the Plant Pathology Diagnostics team in Post Entry Quarantine, which she calls a "dream role." She now focuses on expanding molecular tools, improving consistency across labs and speeding up innovation.
Her teams have added molecular sequencing and automation to everyday work. This includes DNA extraction robots, sample processors and MinION sequencing. These tools help standardise complex steps and allow same-day results across border labs.
In 2024, Julie, Shaun and Brad Pease received a Secretary's Award for advancing molecular science and automation across DAFF's labs.
Julie hopes her story inspires more women and girls to pursue science.
She speaks about the "confidence gap." Research shows women often apply for jobs only when they meet almost all the criteria. Men are more likely to apply when they meet only some.
"Selection criteria's are a wish list, not a checklist," she says. "They are a guide, not a test. Don't rule yourself out. You're more competitive than you think."
Julie also highlights the teamwork behind science at DAFF. Experts from many fields work together to protect Australia's $80 billion agriculture sector, safeguard the environment and support strong trade.
"My goal is to improve plant health diagnostics by working together and supporting colleagues within DAFF and beyond," she says. "This helps us face the challenges ahead."
DAFF has thousands of women working in biosecurity, plant and animal health, forestry, fisheries, environmental science and agricultural innovation.
For women who love science, DAFF offers many ways to contribute, build skills, drive innovation and help protect Australia's way of life.
Explore opportunities on the DAFF recruitment page.
https://www.agriculture.gov.au/about/news/women-science-strengthen-aust-biosecurity
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