A Noongar scholar, immunologist, STEM leader and advocate for multiculturalism from The University of Western Australia were among 16 trailblazers inducted into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame last night.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Anna Nowak said UWA was extremely proud of its Hall of Fame inductees.

“Each has contributed to improving the lives of Western Australians and serve as important role models for all our staff and students,” Professor Nowak said.

Glenys Collard, an Honorary Research Fellow from UWA's School of Social Sciences, was recognised in the culture category for her contributions to Aboriginal education, language preservation and cultural advocacy.

Ms Collard is a Noongar scholar from the South West of Western Australia and an advocate for Aboriginal English.

She has played a significant role in the ABC of Two-Way Literacy and Learning project, which aims to bridge the gap between Aboriginal English and Standard Australian English.

As a member of Language Lab at UWA, Ms Collard collaborates with academics to research and promote Aboriginal English.

Professor Michaela Lucas, from UWA’s Medical School, was recognised in the health category for her work as a clinical immunologist and allergist.

Professor Lucas was awarded a prestigious European Marie Curie Research Fellowship and undertook a postdoctoral position at the University of Oxford, which established her research career, before training as a clinical immunologist and immunopathologist in Australia.

Through her clinical and research expertise in drug allergy, transplantation immunology, anti-viral immunity and examining the impact of plastics on human health, she leads clinical work, research, guideline development and advocacy.

Dr Renu Sharma, Chief Operating Officer and Director of Translation and Impact at the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, was recognised in the STEM and technical trades category.

Dr Sharma has been a highly regarded leader at UWA for 22 years, the founding general manager of ICRAR, a globally recognised WA State Government-funded joint venture of UWA and Curtin University.

In this role, she has impacted WA’s economy, driving a culture of excellence in scientific research and advancing STEM promotion.

Her leadership has supported the ICRAR team and attracted investments, created jobs, and enhanced WA’s capacity for innovation, helping secure its reputation as a world-class centre for astronomy.

Maria Osman, a member of the UWA's Public Policy Institute advisory board, was recognised in the culture category for her work as an advocate for multiculturalism.

Ms Osman is a Somali-English Australian, mother and a proud grandmother who has spent more than 40 years advocating for gender equity, diversity, anti-racism and inter-cultural communication as a senior government policy adviser, community and human rights activist.

A former executive director of WA’s Office of Multicultural Interests and Office for Women’s Policy, Ms Osman led the development and implementation of cutting-edge policies and programs, advocating for migrant and refugee women.

One of her greatest legacies is the development of WA’s inaugural Women Report Card in 2004, a first in Australia.

The WA Women’s Hall of Fame was established in 2011 in recognition of the Centenary of International Women’s Day.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of celebrating the achievements of inspiring WA women and  telling the stories of their significant contributions to our community, fostering  greater respect and progressing gender equity.