Dr Catherine Kemper honoured as South Australia’s Unsung Hero to science at award function

DECADES of devotion to dead dolphins and washed-up whales have been recognised with an award for heroic achievements in science.

DECADES of devotion to dead dolphins and washed-up whales have been recognised with an award for heroic achievements in science.

South Australian Museum senior researcher Dr Catherine Kemper was named the Unsung Hero of SA Science 2016 at the state launch of National Science Week on Thursday night.

Presenting the award at the Adelaide Showground, home of the largest science expo in Australia “Science Alive!”, SA Chief Scientist Dr Leanna Read acknowledged Dr Kemper’s “long and distinguished research career on southern Australian marine mammals”.

“Her research includes a comprehensive forensic pathology approach to the investigation of marine mammal deaths,” she said.

“That includes establishing an extensive tissue sample archive to support eco-toxicology and disease studies, investigations into entanglements of marine mammals in aquaculture infrastructure, and the collection of large species such as whales.”

Dr Kemper said she was “very honoured to win” and felt the award was also “great for our wonderful staff and volunteers at the museum. They have worked so hard for many years!”

“I guess my main achievements are to get rigorous scientific data on dolphin deaths out in the public domain to help conserve South Australian cetaceans. Studying dead things helps to conserve live ones!”

Dr Catherine Kemper with flipper bones of a southern right whale at the museum’s Bolivar plant.

SA Museum director Brian Oldman said he nominated Dr Kemper for the award because progress in marine mammal science “has been driven solely by her initiative, strategic vision and admirable long-term persistence over the past 33 years”.

“It shouldn’t be underestimated how much effort, planning and vision is required for a program of this longevity,” he said.

“One that has been conducted across the whole state and involves the recovery of animals — the largest of which weigh tens of tons and approach 25 metres in length.”

Every time a whale or dolphin is washed up on our shores, Dr Kemper tries to work out why, conducting detailed post mortem analysis and saving samples for the scientific collection.

Her team has provided the forensic evidence required to prosecute in cases of illegal human activity, such as the stabbing of an infant bottlenose dolphin.

The museum’s marine mammal collection has grown from about 350 to over 2200 specimens including full skeletons of the largest whale species and the world’s largest collection of strapped tooth beaked whales.

The Unsung Hero of SA Science is an initiative of the Australian Science Communicators, which is intended to recognise those whose contribution has been significant over a long period of time but who have not yet received formal public recognition.

Originally published as Dr Catherine Kemper honoured as South Australia’s Unsung Hero to science at award function