Macquarie University has conferred honorary doctorates on two distinguished alumni: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientist Dr Abigail Allwood and Wesfarmers Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr Rob Scott.
Presented during the University’s spring graduation ceremonies, the awards recognise alumni whose careers reflect the breadth of Macquarie’s impact, from world-leading science and space exploration to Australian business leadership.
Dr Abigail Allwood: advancing discovery on Mars
On Friday 16 October, Dr Abigail Allwood, a Macquarie University PhD graduate, received her honorary doctorate at the Faculty of Science and Engineering graduation ceremony.Dr Allwood is recognised as a leading field geologist, astrobiologist and research scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, working at the forefront of space exploration. As well as being one of only seven principal investigators developing instruments for the Mars 2020 rover mission, she is the first Australian and the first woman to serve as scientific lead on a Mars mission.
Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor Professor Bruce Dowton said Dr Allwood’s achievements reflected the impact of pioneering research and scientific leadership.
“Her trailblazing research, her vision, her scientific leadership, and her commitment to going where no one has gone before” were fitting reasons to recognise Dr Allwood’s achievements, he stated.
Her work on the Planetary Instrument for X-Ray Lithochemistry (PIXL), a $39 million project involving international teams of scientists and engineers, has helped advance understanding of Mars’ geological history and its potential to have supported life.
During her graduation address, Dr Allwood reflected on the excitement of scientific discovery, describing the moment researchers uncovered something previously unknown.“There was that moment that every scientist dreams of, when you realise you’ve discovered something new about the way the world works,” she said.
A passionate advocate for science education, Dr Allwood has consistently highlighted the importance of investing in STEM opportunities to help Australia develop and retain the next generation of scientific talent.
Rob Scott: leadership in Australian business
Mr Rob Scott received his honorary doctorate at the Macquarie Business School graduation ceremony held on Thursday 15 October.
A dual Olympian in rowing and a silver medallist at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Mr Scott was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Wesfarmers in November 2017.
Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor Professor Bruce Dowton said the award recognised Mr Scott’s discipline, leadership and commitment to excellence across business and sport.
“We recognise Mr Scott for his discipline and commitment to excellence in his business roles, and indeed, all of his endeavours,” Professor Dowton said.
“His support for elite and emerging athletes, his vision and leadership of one of Australia’s largest companies, and his seemingly boundless energy and tenacity in the face of emerging challenges.”
Mr Scott began his career with Wesfarmers in 1993 before moving into investment banking. He rejoined Wesfarmers in 2004 in business development before being appointed the managing director of Wesfarmers Insurance in 2007. He later took on the position of finance director of Coles in February 2013 and then managing director, financial services, in October 2014.
Mr Scott holds a Master of Applied Finance from Macquarie University and has completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. In his address, he emphasised the importance of lifelong learning.
“The most valuable capability that you possess is not mastery of a single skill. It is the capacity to keep learning,” he said.
“Education is one of the most powerful forces for personal advancement, social mobility, and national prosperity.”
Celebrating achievement at graduation
Honorary doctorates are among the University’s highest forms of recognition, acknowledging individuals whose sustained contributions have made a meaningful difference and whose achievements can inspire graduating students as they begin the next stage of their careers.