Gillian Wratt facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gillian Wratt MNZM
Wratt in 2016
Born	1954 (age 70–71)
Nationality	New Zealander
Known for	Science administration
Scientific career
Institutions	Antarctica New Zealand

Gillian Wratt is a New Zealand scientist who was born in 1954. She is a botanist, which means she studies plants. Gillian is also a science leader. She made history by becoming the first woman to lead the New Zealand Antarctic Research Programme from 1992 to 1996. Later, she was honored for her important work in Antarctica.

Early Life and Learning

Gillian Wratt grew up in a town called Motueka in New Zealand. She went to Motueka High School. After high school, she studied Botany at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch. She earned a special degree with honors in 1975.

In 1977, Gillian started working for a government science department called the DSIR. She worked in Palmerston North and then moved to Wellington. There, she helped manage research projects and their funding. Later, she went to the University of Sydney in Australia. She earned a master's degree in Business Administration in 1990.

Leading Science and Antarctica

Gillian Wratt has had a big impact on science, especially in Antarctica.

Leading Antarctic Programs

• From 1992 to 1996, Gillian was the Director of the New Zealand Antarctic Research Programme. She was the very first woman to hold this important job.
• Then, from 1996 to 2002, she became the chief executive of a new organization called New Zealand Antarctic Institute (now known as Antarctica New Zealand). This group helps New Zealand's science efforts in Antarctica.

Important Roles in Science

Gillian also held many other leadership roles:

• She was the Chair of the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP) from 1998 to 2002. This group helps different countries work together on Antarctic research.
• She helped lead a big science project called the Cape Roberts Project.
• Gillian even wrote a book about COMNAP in 2013. It's called "A Story of Antarctic Co-operation: 25 Years of the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs."

Other Science Work

Besides her work in Antarctica, Gillian has done many other things:

• She helped New Zealand with environmental talks for trade agreements.
• She was the chief executive of the Cawthron Institute from 2006 to 2012. This is a not-for-profit science organization.
• Today, she is a board member for the New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority. This group helps protect the environment.
• In 2018, she became the chair of a group guiding New Zealand's Antarctic Science Platform. This is a seven-year plan to boost science in Antarctica.
• She also works as a Freshwater Commissioner, helping with water issues in New Zealand.

Awards and Recognition

Gillian Wratt has received special awards for her contributions:

• In 1993, she was given the New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal. This award celebrated 100 years since women in New Zealand gained the right to vote.
• In 2004, she was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. This honor was given to her for her great service to New Zealand's Antarctic program.

See also

In Spanish: Gillian Wratt para niños