Women in science we admire

Melanie Wakefield

Melanie Wakefield nominated by Jen Makin

Prof. Wakefield is Director of the Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer at Cancer Council Victoria. She is internationally known for her research on the effects of tobacco control policies and mass media campaigns on smoking behaviour. She is a superb leader, mentor, and role model for women in science and in leadership. As well as publishing extensively in the peer-reviewed literature, she leads time-sensitive, policy-ready research, for example to provide the evidence to enable the former Australian government to bring in the world-leading plain packaging legislation, all while managing intimidation and delaying tactics from the tobacco industry.