Gillian Wratt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gillian Wratt
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Wratt in 2016
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| Born | 1954 (age 70–71) |
| Nationality | New Zealander |
| Known for | Science administration |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | Antarctica New Zealand |
Gillian Shirley Wratt (born in 1954) is a New Zealand botanist and a leader in science. She was the first woman to direct the New Zealand Antarctic Research Programme from 1992 to 1996. She was also made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her important work related to Antarctica.
Early Life and Learning
Gillian Wratt was born in Motueka, a town in New Zealand. She went to Motueka High School. Later, she studied at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree with honours in Botany between 1972 and 1975.
In 1977, she started working for the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR). She worked in Palmerston North and then moved to Wellington in 1979. There, she helped manage research programs and their funding. She later earned a master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Sydney in 1990.
Career and Impact
Gillian Wratt has had a big impact on science, especially in Antarctica. From 1992 to 1996, she was the Director of the New Zealand Antarctic Research Programme. She was the very first woman to hold this important role.
After that, she became the chief executive of the new organisation called New Zealand Antarctic Institute (now known as Antarctica New Zealand). She led this group from 1996 to 2002. Antarctica New Zealand helps manage all of New Zealand's activities and research in Antarctica.
Wratt also held many advisory roles for Antarctic science. She chaired the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP) from 1998 to 2002. This group helps different countries work together on Antarctic projects. She also helped lead the Cape Roberts Project, which was a big science project in Antarctica. In 2013, she wrote a book about the history of COMNAP.
Beyond Antarctica, Gillian Wratt has worked in other science and environmental roles. She helped New Zealand with environmental agreements for free trade. She also worked to set up the New Zealand Institute for Crop and Food Research. From 2006 to 2012, she was the chief executive of the Cawthron Institute, which is a not-for-profit science research centre.
Today, she is a board member of the New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority. This group helps protect New Zealand's environment. In 2018, she became the chair of the New Zealand Antarctic Science Platform Steering Group. This is a seven-year plan to boost New Zealand's science efforts in Antarctica. She also works as a Freshwater Commissioner, helping to manage New Zealand's freshwater resources.
Awards and Honours
Gillian Wratt has received several awards for her contributions. In 1993, she was given the New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal. This medal celebrated 100 years since women in New Zealand gained the right to vote.
In 2004, she was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. This honour was given to her for her excellent service to the New Zealand Antarctic programme.
