RedR Australia Patron and former Chair Professor Elizabeth Taylor AO has been awarded the Peter Nicol Russell Career Achievement Memorial Medal as part of Engineers Australia’s Excellence Awards - Pinnacles 2021.
Named in memory of a 19th century Sydney industrialist, the Peter Nicol Russell Career Achievement Memorial recognises a person who has made a notable contribution to the science and/or practice of engineering within Australia and is the engineering peak body’s highest honour.
Professor Taylor was instrumental in driving RedR Australia's organisational strategy and culture of performance for 22 years. She joined the organisation first as a Board member in 1998 and then as Chair from 2010, before being appointed Chair of RedR International in 2012.
Upon retirement in 2020, Professor Taylor became RedR Australia’s Patron, where today she continues to be a proud ambassador of the organisation and the sustained growth of the RedR Federation.
Professor Taylor remains one of the most influential leaders and women in the engineering profession in Australia and is an Officer of the Order of Australia for her contributions to engineering education and gender diversity. Professor Taylor's pioneering spirit, engineering experience and passion for humanitarian action have provided RedR Australia with a resilient network of United Nations, private sector and donor partners and a new generation of engineers seeking careers building solutions for humanity.
RedR Australia and Engineers Australia have a long history of collaboration both in Australia and abroad, with RedR Australia established in 1992 by engineer Jeff Dobel with support from four founding bodies, including Engineers Australia.
RedR Australia CEO Kirsten Sayers said Professor Taylor was a worthy recipient of the prestigious award.
“Professor Taylor has revolutionised the engineering sector in Australia. The RedR Federation will forever be grateful for her dedication to humanitarianism and advancing the role of engineers in building resilience for communities,” Ms Sayers said.
RedR Australia Chair Professor Robert Care AM said Professor Taylor’s strategic guidance and leadership in both the engineering sector and the RedR Federation made her well deserving of the prize.
“Professor Taylor’s legacy in our sectors is far-reaching and ongoing. Her forthright commitment to engineering being key to quality humanitarian action is commendable,” Professor Care said.
