Using research to solve real-world social problems is what University of Wollongong Associate Professor Melanie Randle does best.
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Professor Randle is one of 41 female academics who were recognised this week as part of UOW’s Woman of Impact initiative.
Inspired by the Science in Australia Gender Equity pilot, it’s all part of the university’s push to improve gender equality.
For Professor Randle, an expert in social and non-profit marketing, the Women of Impact project is a great way of showcasing the achievements of her female colleagues in all disciplines.
‘’Importantly, it provides role models for other women aspiring to academia by giving examples of how they can make a valuable contribution in any discipline that not only adds to scientific knowledge but also improves the lives of individuals and society as a whole,’’ she said.
Professor Randle has been busy doing that; working in conjunction with local organisations to help them better recruit and retain volunteers and carers.
‘’With the emergence of more and more non-profit and social service organisations Australia needs to find more volunteers and foster carers to provide vital social services and homes for increasing numbers of foster children,’’ she said.
‘’However, many organisations struggle to find enough people to fill their volunteer and caring roles.’’
Many organisations struggle to find enough people to fill their volunteer and caring roles.
- Professor Melanie Randle
Her research helped develop marketing campaigns that were effective in reaching and motivating people to take up these roles.
‘’Practically, results have been used by local volunteering and foster care organisations to develop new marketing and branding strategies that have resulted in significant increases in their numbers of volunteers and foster carers,’’ she said.
Professor Randle will now turn her talents to a new project which will measure people’s experiences as the National Disability Insurance Scheme rolls out.
‘’This study will assess whether consumers of disability services receive more value pre or post-implementation of the NDIS,’’ she said.
Female researchers studying the prevention of type 2 diabetes, the conservation of marine ecosystems and the effects of cannabis on the brain are among those also recognised under the new initiative.