Flinders University’s Professor Karen Reynolds was named one of the Zonta Club of Adelaide’s nine ‘Women of Achievement for 2017’ last night. The Zonta Club is a leading global organisation of professionals committed to women’s advancement through service, advocacy and education.
Professor Reynolds was given the award in recognition of her outstanding achievements in biomedical engineering.
The award was presented by Lord Mayor of Adelaide Martin Haese, Zonta Club President Beverley Gum, and Awards Chairperson Raema Mahony.
“I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to make my career in biomedical research, and I’m honoured to receive this award,” said Professor Reynolds.
“I applaud the Zonta Club for its commitment to supporting women’s achievements – both established professionals, and young women just starting out in their careers.
“One of the delights of my work is having the opportunity to mentor aspiring young researchers, so I’m grateful to be recognised by such a group.”
Considered one of Australia’s top biomedical engineers – and brightest scientific minds – Professor Reynolds has lectured at Flinders University in biomedical engineering since 1997.
Based at Flinders’ Tonsley Innovation Precinct, Professor Reynolds’ cutting-edge research has led her to become Director of the Medical Device Research Institute, and Deputy Dean of the School of Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics.
Professor Reynolds is known for creating the Medical Device Partnering Program, an innovative model for collaboration between researchers, end-users and commercial partners, which has helped to drive the growth of the medical technology industry in South Australia, and has supported more than 300 companies and inventors get their medical devices to market.
The award continues a streak of recognition for Professor Reynolds, who late last year was presented with Engineers Australia’s David Dewhurst award, the top Australian honour for biomedical engineering. She also won the engineering category at Adelaide’s Women in Innovation (Winnovation) awards in 2016.
The MDRI would also like to congratulate Flinders Professor Keryn Williams AC, who was honoured by the Zonta Club for her achievements in health.