Launched in 2025, the Exceptional Service Award recognises those members who have worked together as a team to deliver a key project for SCI. This year's winner was the Australia International Group and we would like to thank Lisa Owens, Richard Thwaites and Jonathon Morey for their service and commitment to expanding the SCI network in Australia.
Below is an interview with Lisa Owens, Chair of the Australia International Group:
When and why did you become a member of SCI?
The SCI Australia International Group formed when an independent body, the Society of Chemical Industry of Victoria (SCIV), merged with SCI in 1999. Richard Thwaites, Jonathon Morey and I were members of SCIV at the time. The reasons for us originally joining SCIV, which was founded in 1900 and was the oldest chemical society in Australia, were multifaceted but included a desire to promote and formally recognise the local chemical industry including academia, harness networking opportunities both within and external to the SCIV and use this organisational affiliation to enhance our professional careers. Another benefit of SCIV/SCI membership has been the monthly C&I magazine which is an excellent publication with many exceptional articles and editorial comments.
Why did you decide to get involved in committee work?
Richard and Jon have been on the committee for many years, starting with the SCIV. After the merger with SCI, they continued in their committee roles to ensure that there was continuity as the SCIV became SCI Australia International Group and that the programme of events and award programmes that were established by the SCIV were maintained. I joined the committee many years later when some of the older committee members were looking to step back from officer duties and hand over these responsibilities to younger members. I believe that the fundamental reason why people join a committee is due to the desire to get things done and make a positive and meaningful contribution to the Society, to take on responsibility and to be accountable for the success or failure of the different ventures we might embark on.
What has driven your continued involvement with SCI?
Although the traditional chemical industry, that is hydrocarbon processing and bulk chemical manufacture, has dwindled in Australia with international companies moving their operations offshore into newer, larger and more efficient facilities, there is still a lot of opportunity for Australian research and innovation to ensure that the Australian chemical industry remains relevant, particularly in the areas of sustainability, renewable energy and pharmaceuticals. Being on the committee of an interest group of an internationally recognised society such as SCI enables us to highlight and globally showcase local achievements.
How has being involved in SCI activities had an impact on your professional career?
Being a member of the SCI has provided networking opportunities that may not have been otherwise accessible. During the earlier stages of our careers, regular attendance to SCIV/SCI events enabled us to develop relationships with more senior industry professionals who could guide and mentor us as our careers developed.
How do your SCI activities reflect your personal/professional interests?
There is now a strong focus on the circular economy and renewable energy which we have recognised for many decades are critical to a sustainable future. The 2023 Plant of the Year recipients were local examples of facilities that support these objectives. In addition, the SCI Australia International Group committee is passionate about not only recognising local achievements in industry, but also in academia and being able to recognise outstanding student performance through the Bright SCIdea Challenge programme has been a catalyst to promote SCI student and early career opportunities to several Australian universities.
How do you think your contribution as a group has helped shape SCI?
The most significant contribution over the last few years has been to diversify the committee of the SCI Australia International Group from one consisting of predominantly middle-aged male Caucasians to one that is more female orientated, younger and multi-cultural. Hopefully this will help to diversify and expand our membership base.
What are your thoughts about receiving an Exceptional Service Award?
We were surprised and are deeply honoured. Being on the other side of the world and having such a significant time difference between Australia and the UK has made participation in many activities including on-line meetings challenging. The award enforces the fact we are not being siloed and that the work that we have done and our plans are being recognised and supported.
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