Ecologist Cate Macinnis-Ng recognised for mentoring

Associate Professor Cate Macinnis-Ng's mentoring of women in science was recognised with an award from the Association for Women in the Sciences.

The Dame Miriam Dell Award is for outstanding mentoring efforts – beyond someone's paid role –  to retain females in the sciences.

“Cate is a notable ecology researcher, with an impressive list of publications and awards," according to the award citation. "However, what really stood out for the Dell Award judges were the activities she’d undertaken in a voluntary capacity."

Her nomination was supported by "heartfelt stories" from people she had mentored, often not as a direct manager but through chance conversations and meetings. 

In addition to her role as an associate professor of ecology, Cate is chair of the Constituents’ Forum of the Royal Society Te Apārangi, and past president of the New Zealand Ecological Society. 

Named for Dame Miriam Dell, who was known for advancing women's rights and causes, including as a patron of the Association for Women in the Sciences, the award is handed out every two years.