Dr Parwinder Kaur is an award-winning scientist, a passionate leader and positive role model as a mother, and a professor in science for the next generation of diverse scientists to pursue their passion for science and discovery. She leads cross-disciplinary biotechnology research investigating Earth’s biodiversity and natural environments to ensure sustainable futures. She uses her expertise to reach people in new ways, connecting them with their surroundings. Through her diverse research teams, such as DNA Zoo Australia, she harnesses STEM to achieve maximised impact. In doing so, she believes this will help us tackle the bigger issues we as society are facing, bringing about solutions through fresh thinking rather than following usual norms. She has been recognised for her substantial contributions to biotechnology and scientific excellence by the prestigious “Science and Innovation Award” by the Australian Academy of Sciences in 2013, won the Microsoft’s AI for Earth award for 2019, WA Innovator of the Year (finalist) in 2022 and Inaugural Australian Sikh Woman of the Year for Excellence in 2023.
Parwinder is a passionate science communicator, an entrepreneur in the biotechnology sector, an active mentor for gender equity, a Superstar of STEM, https://www.witwa.org.au/initiatives/role-model/parwinder-kaur-2/, GirlsXTech international ambassador and Diversity in STEM expert panel member with the Office of the Hon Ed Husic MP, Minister for Industry and Science, Australia working to close the diversity gap in STEM. Parwinder has been recently inducted into the prestigious WA Women Hall of Fame in the STEM category and is among one of the three first ever Indian origin women to be inducted since the inception of this programme in 2011. Parwinder has been passionately promoting bilateral relationship between Australia and India building better cultural and business understanding as she serves a mentor-figure within the Indian community, where her research is absorbed and her successes are celebrated. Her role has been of significant interest to international, national and regional media outlets like ABC, Sunday times, SBS, India today, Tribune and Prima Asia TV, where the intersectionality of Kaur’s gender and cultural origins are of notable pride.
Her expertise lies in leading cross-disciplinary applied biotechnology research, focusing on innovation and research translation. As both an academic and entrepreneur, Dr. Kaur has demonstrated her commitment to bridging the gap between scientific advancements and practical applications. Her work has not only advanced the field of biotechnology but has also opened new avenues for real-world solutions and commercialization.
Dr. Parwinder Kaur’s dedication to her work and her ability to combine scientific knowledge with an entrepreneurial mindset have garnered her numerous accolades and awards. She continues to be a driving force in pushing the boundaries of biotechnology and inspiring future generations of scientists.
