Tanya Monro: researching unknowns for real-life solutions

Tanya Monro is one of the ­nation’s most decorated scientists yet she almost shunned the industry entirely for a career in classical music.

4.2.19 - Scientist Tanya Monro holding a SA Weekend with her on the cover. Promo of redesigned SA Weekend. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

Tanya Monro is one of the ­nation’s most decorated scientists and heads up the Australian Defence Force’s research and development division yet she almost shunned the industry entirely for a career in classical music.

The dedicated Chief Defence Scientist — the first woman to hold the influential role — said until her mid-teens, she’d considered science dull and predictable and wanted to focus on playing the cello.

It was not until her Year 9 science teacher impressed upon her a passion for physics that a scientific future entered her equation.

“I wanted to be a musician but he showed me how maths was the language of the universe — and that science is about asking questions and probing the unknown,” she said.

It was a fortunate encounter for both Ms Monro and Australia.

She is now responsible for the marshalling of more than 2000 scientists and engineers and setting the ADF’s research priorities.

At 46, she has collected more than 20 honours and awards for her pioneering work in the field of photonics. “I’m just so focused on making sure we harness science to deliver impact for Australians.” she said. “Every day I have to ask questions about if the research we’re doing is meeting the real needs of the ADF.

“My professional career as a scientist really helps me with that.

“This year, we’re launching a new science and technology strategy based around the concept of ‘star-shots’ — like moon-shots but more ambitious in nature and designed to bring the ADF’s capabilities forward.

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“The recent bushfires bring a great example of what we do. We’ve been working on enhancing biological situational awareness for our troops, that is, making sure they’re aware of the hazardous conditions around them, be it air pollution or something else.”

Ms Munro said she was honoured to be nominated for The Australian’s Australian of the Year award. “I feel really proud to show Australians the impact of science and what it can do,” she said. “Sometimes we don’t ­appreciate all the brilliant work being done in this country.”

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