Dr. Andrea Hinwood
What drew you to science rather than more traditionally accepted societal roles for women?
I did not opt for traditional societal roles. From early on, I wanted to be a famous singer or a scientist. Initially I thought this would be in chemistry. But when I attended a presentation at high school that talked about pollution and other marine issues, it was then that I decided to pursue work in environmental science.
When it came to going to university though, my first choice was environmental science, however my broader family were against it. They wanted me to be a secretary; to get ‘a real job’. This was in the late 70s and environmental science had only just begun to move into the mainstream. Luckily for me my mother was my fiercest ally. She supported me to follow my own choices because she was not able to choose when she was younger.
What were some of the obstacles you encountered in your career as a woman and how did you overcome them?
There were several obstacles but one of the main ones, which I think affects most young men and women, is a lack of self-confidence. Society in the past has not supported the growth of confidence among women. For a long time, I didn’t believe I had the ability to do what I was doing. But I overcame that with the support of the family who encouraged me to follow my dream career despite setbacks. I was passionate about science and environmental issues from an early age and that helped me focus.
As a woman I have come across discrimination at various points in my professional life. Early on I worked in a laboratory in the Northern Territory in Australia where I was not given access to a part of the lab. My male manager didn’t think I was competent, while male colleagues with the same qualifications as me, not more experienced in any way, were allowed to use the laboratory without question. This of course affects confidence, and it takes time to overcome.
That said, I have also had supportive male colleagues and mentors. After University, I went on to do a Masters in Applied Science (Applied Toxicology). I didn’t love it, but I had a great supervisor Prof Malcolm McCormick. I had terrible research skills and he really helped me focus and develop good writing skills and a solid grounding in how to frame and conduct research.
Later, Professor John McNeil, Head of Monash University’s School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (SPHPM) at the time persuaded me to embark on a PhD in Environmental Epidemiology. It’s something I hadn’t considered but went for it. I absolutely loved it! So, while women and girls will likely face discrimination and inequity, rise above it, and find support. It is definitely out there.
What sacrifices have you had to make to get where you are today, and do you have any regrets?
No regrets at all. Did I have to make sacrifices? Probably, because some of the choices I made affected my personal circumstances. When my children came along, family did influence career choices and there were opportunities I didn’t go for because my children were young at the time. But I don’t regret that at all. What I want to say to young women is, making career choices around your children doesn’t hold you back. It may delay you for a few years, but you’ll still get that higher-level job.
What advice, or encouragement, would you give to young girls and women who are considering a career in science?
Don’t let that negative voice in your head take over or listen to other people’s negative opinions. If you want to pursue a career in science, and the advice goes against that, listen to yourself. If there is a spark, and real interest in a subject, even if you’re really struggling, you can overcome the obstacles because it’s what you want.
Also key, are help-seeking skills. Often women and girls don’t ask for help because they feel they can’t. My advice - learn those early! It’s OK to ask for help. We all start off in something new when go to university or start a new job for example, where we have no experience. It’s important to remember that learning is a continuous journey. One that never stops. I still ask for help to this day. I feel this is now one of my strengths because I can’t know everything. I continue to ask as I am not expert across all issues. I know my limits and I know when to ask for help.
What has been the highlight - or most memorable event - of your scientific career to date?
Well, I think I’m the luckiest person in the world – I have the Chief Scientist job at UNEP.
Another highlight for several reasons was my early involvement with UNEP and the Montreal Protocol. I chaired, what was known at the time, as the Technical Options Committee for Aerosol, Sterilants and Miscellaneous Uses. I also sat on the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel. I got to see how science was used in policy making and the interaction between a range of stakeholders such as non-government organizations, industries, and the scientists. It was a highlight because I learnt at first hand the important role of evidence-based of science in those processes. It was exciting to be contributing to a global issue. Had I not had those years in that space I don’t think I would be where I am today. More importantly those who came after me, have made such significant inroads to reversing the problem of ozone depletion. Many of them, such as Dr Helen Tope who was just invested as an Officer of the Order of Australia in the 2023 Australia Day Honours List, are women and we are indebted to them.