Professor Judy Simpson: STEM trailblazer

Professor Judy Simpson BSc ’76, attended UNSW as a student, completing a bachelor’s degree in science with first-class honours in mathematical statistics. Her career as a biostatistician has seen her make significant contributions to public health and clinical medicine, providing methodological rigour to projects in areas including obstetrics, oncology, mental health and sexual health.

Professor Simpson has made a commitment to fund scholarships for women of disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue a degree in science, through a gift in her Will to UNSW.   

What made you want to give back to UNSW?

I feel that I've had a very good career thanks to the excellent education I had here at the University. The statistics teaching was very applied, which meant that I could use what I'd learnt immediately in the workplace. It’s in recognition of this that I have decided to leave a portion of my estate to fund scholarships in the Faculty of Science.

Why have you chosen to fund an equity scholarship program?

When I went to university, it was free. Now it's so different, and I'm very concerned that people who don't come from a background where there is the ability to pay for university won't have the opportunities that I had. I like the idea of leaving some money to the University in my Will so that more people will have the opportunity to study.

What do you hope the impact of your gift will be?

I've been very impressed with the number of women that I have seen in the media recently who are doing terrific research in senior positions at UNSW. Giving in this way will, I hope, allow more women to get involved in the field of STEM and, in particular, in research.

Click here to watch Professor Judy Simpson share her story.

If you are interested to know more or thinking about, giving in your Will to UNSW, Janet Hall will be happy to discuss with you.  Phone: +61 478 492 032 or Email: j.e.hall@unsw.edu.au