Scientist Marilyn Renfree’s passion a fertile ground for young minds

Marilyn Renfree has been at the forefront of marsupial reproduction and development for more than half a century.

Zoologist Marilyn Renfree.

Marilyn Renfree has been at the forefront of marsupial reproduction and development for more than half a century, but it is her work with students that has inspired a generation of young scientists to enter the field of ­biology.

A leading conservationist, the University of Melbourne professor’s efforts have been vital in pioneering population control methods and unlocking the secrets of embryonic sexual development in mammals.

Professor Renfree’s long and prestigious career has been underscored by her passion for protecting native animals.

“The impact of Australia’s recent bushfires on Australian mammals has highlighted Australia and the world’s fascination with these special animals,” Professor Renfree said. “We really need to put more effort, time and money into conserving and doing research on them. Australia has the distinction of having the worst record of mammal extinctions of any developed country.”

Professor Renfree’s breakout contribution occurred when she helped map the first genome sequence of an Australian marsupial, demonstrating that studying an embryo in a tammar wallaby’s pouch leads to better understanding of human foetuses.

Colleague James Angus said that while Professor Renfree had made numerous important breakthroughs in her career, she always remained a “scientist’s scientist” and was a deserving candidate for The Australian’s Australian of the Year award.

App users tap here to nominate your Australian of the Year

“She’s an absolute dynamo ... (and) an absolute role model, always standing up for women in science and always putting her hand up to teach and train,” he said.

“She showed that marsupial embryos are a brilliant stand-in for the human foetus — it gives us a window into the human reproductive and developmental function.”

That genetic breakthrough paved the way for Professor Renfree to become the first female chair of zoology in Australia at Melbourne University.

Professor Renfree’s research has also proved invaluable to conservation efforts, with her knowledge of marsupial sexual development leading her to develop contraceptive strategies for several native species.

At 72 years of age, her passion for her work is not slowing.

She recently has thrown her weight behind enhancing conservation efforts after recent bushfires killed an estimated 480 million animals.

We encourage our readers to put in a nomination for The Australian’s Australian of the Year, which was first won in 1971 by economist HC “Nugget” Coombs. Prominent Australians can be nominated by filling out the coupon above, or sending an email to [e-mail] or going to our website, theaustralian.com.au. Nominations close on Thursday, January 23.