An international expert in the field of mineral flotation has won the research scientist category of the inaugural Smart Women – Smart State awards.
Representing The University of Queensland’s Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC), metallurgical engineer Kym Runge was selected as one of five winners of Smart Women – Smart State awards held at the Queensland Museum on Thursday, August 21.
The awards recognise the achievements of women in Queensland and their leading role in the fields of science, engineering and information and communication technology.
The awards were presented by Queensland Premier Peter Beattie and the Minister Assisting the Premier on Women’s Policy Wendy Edmond.
Ms Runge was short listed into a final group of 10 across four award categories from 175 entries.
She won equal first place in the research scientist category with medical researcher Dr Joanne Aitken who is the Director of the Epidemiology Unit with the Queensland Cancer Fund.
Co-presenter of the awards, Queensland parliamentary secretary Dr Lesley Clark, said Ms Runge was not only a leader in her field of scientific endeavour but a worthy ambassador for Queensland science on an international stage.
Ms Runge said it was a great honour to win a Smart State award.
“It’s encouraging to see that the Queensland Government is supporting the work of women in the fields of science and engineering, particularly in the minerals industry where women are underrepresented,” she said.
“I’m optimistic that by being recognised with this award, other women will be encouraged to consider minerals engineering as a career choice.”
She said the award was also an acknowledgement of the calibre of her research colleagues at The University of Queensland and internationally who were also working towards a fundamental understanding of the mineral flotation process.
Ms Runge was presented with a trophy, a framed certificate and a cheque for $2500.
Media: For more information, contact Ms Runge (telephone 07 3365 55928 (wk), 07 3878 6118 (a/h), email k.runge@jktech.com.au) or David Goeldner, JKMRC Communications Coordinator (telephone 07 3365 5848, email d.goeldner@uq.edu.au).
