A Forrest researcher-led initiative, Forrest Distinguished Visiting Researchers, opened with an engaging in-conversation session featuring inaugural local recipient, Professor Cheryl Praeger AC and Forrest Scholar, Thalles Araújo. Focused on recognising the contributions of Western Australian scholars, the program aims to celebrate individuals whose work has shaped their field both locally and globally.
With over 40 years of service to the University of Western Australia, Emeritus Professor of Mathematics Professor Praeger’s career is illustrious. Publishing over 410 journal articles, she is in the top 200 highly cited mathematicians in the world. During the conversation, she generously shared her incredible professional and personal journey, as not only the second, but the youngest woman in Australian history to become a professor of mathematics.
Drawing on her own experience, she discussed breaking down barriers, with many of her roles and awards marked as a first for a woman, including becoming President of the Australian Mathematical Society (1992-1994) and winning the Lyle Medal of the Australian Academy of Science (2013). Notwithstanding her extensive accolades, she reflected on the significance of humility and remaining grounded in the face of success.
The Foundation is honoured to have Professor Praeger as part of the Forrest Research Foundation family, with the program spearheaded by Marie Windstein, Dr Houda Ennaceri, Dr Neil Robinson (alumnus) and the Forrest Research Foundation Science Communication Committee.
