What’s happening?
Last September, Dr Nathalie Piperidis, a Mackay-based Cytogeneticist at Sugar Research Australia (SRA), was awarded the prestigious Excellence in Industry Leadership accolade at the 2024 Women in Technology (WiT) Awards in Brisbane.
She was recognised for her exceptional contributions to sugarcane cytogenetics, particularly her role in cracking the genetic code of the Cultivar R570 sugarcane through an international research consortium.
Her pioneering work has led to major advancements in molecular marker and introgression breeding, crucial to the sugarcane industry.
Why it Matters?
Dr Piperidis’ recognition goes beyond individual achievement—it reflects her impact on agricultural biotechnology and her leadership in STEM.
Her work is transforming the sugarcane industry by developing modern genetic research techniques that enhance crop breeding and disease resistance, vital for the profitability and sustainability of the Australian sugarcane sector.
This award highlights her influence in both scientific innovation and gender inclusivity, inspiring the next generation of female leaders in STEM.
By the Numbers:
– 20 years of dedication at SRA supporting sugarcane research.
– Over 10 years spent developing a complete genetic sequence for sugarcane cultivars.
– Dr Piperidis is leading efforts to increase profitability and sustainability for the Australian sugarcane industry through innovative genetic breeding techniques.
Zoom in:
The culmination of Dr Piperidis’ work is the publication of the whole genetic sequence of sugarcane in the renowned journal Nature.
Her pioneering cytogenetic method provides researchers with a comprehensive set of chromosomes, aiding new projects focused on creating improved sugarcane varieties for farmers.
She is also known for developing whole chromosome painting, a breakthrough cytogenetic technique that unravelled the genetic complexity of sugarcane for the first time.
“This award is a recognition of a very big team of dedicated SRA people who have been supporting me in my work for the last 20 years – I couldn’t have achieved any of this without them,” Dr Piperidis acknowledged.
Chair of Women in Technology, Iyari Cevallos, praised Piperidis for her leadership, stating, “Nathalie is going above and beyond to contribute and influence the scientific community for good…she is inspiring excellence for the next generation of leaders and women.”
Zoom Out:
Dr Piperidis’ achievements reflect the global impact of Australia’s contributions to agricultural science.
Her groundbreaking work, spanning two decades, is elevating Australia’s prominence in international sugarcane research.
The completion of the sugarcane genome sequence is a significant milestone for biotechnology and will continue to drive advancements in crop sustainability and disease resistance on a global scale.
Local Impact:
As Acting SRA CEO Hywel Cook noted, “By driving these initiatives, Dr Piperidis has demonstrated exemplary industry leadership…enhancing community well-being, and promoting sustainable development.”
Her efforts are integral to improving sugarcane varieties that will benefit Australian farmers, fostering both economic and environmental sustainability in the region.
What to Look for Next:
Dr Piperidis aims to continue pushing the boundaries of sugarcane genetics.
With the genetic code now mapped, SRA is poised to lead further research projects that will focus on improving disease resistance and enhancing sugarcane productivity.
She also remains committed to advocating for gender inclusivity in STEM, empowering the next generation of women to take leadership roles in scientific research.
Conclusion:
Dr Nathalie Piperidis’ recognition at the 2024 WiT Awards reflects both her leadership in genetic research and her role as a trailblazer for women in STEM.
With her innovative contributions to sugarcane cytogenetics, she has set a new standard in agricultural biotechnology.
Her ongoing work will continue to shape the future of the sugarcane industry, combining scientific excellence with a strong commitment to sustainability and gender equality.
Event Details: The 2024 WiT Gala Awards Dinner and Presentation took place on 27 September at the RNA Showgrounds in Brisbane, under the theme ‘Lift Each Other Up’, celebrating the empowerment of women in technology.
For more information, visit: Women in Technology – Advance, Connect, Empower