Trends in Plant Science article highlights the women in STEM from around the world making an impact in the world of plant science

This article highlights the global diversity and impact of women in plant science through a series celebrating 30 researchers from 30 countries.

It includes a profile on Dr Ali Gill, a postdoctoral researcher based at the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space, whose work focuses on plant physiological responses to abiotic stress and optimising photosynthesis for future and controlled environments. Her research includes participation in NASA’s Artemis III LEAF project, which aims to grow plants on the lunar surface, alongside studies on temperature tolerance in duckweeds and previous work on drought resilience in industrial hemp.

The article emphasises how Adelaide has emerged as a hub for innovative plant science, offering strong international collaborations and opportunities in space biology and controlled environment agriculture. It also reflects on career challenges, particularly finding locally aligned research roles, while underscoring the importance of such initiatives in advancing plant science and inspiring more women and underrepresented groups to enter the field.