Founders of Women in Scientific Excellence (WISE)

The Founders

Patricia Baitz Program Chair and WISE Founder Circle Supporter. From Fashion to a passion for Medical Research - A quantum leap? Having worked all of her life in the fashion industry one way or another – designing, buying, selling - for the past 10 years Patricia has also held memberships with animal ethics and animal welfare committees. Watching our bright stars being lured overseas because of a lack of funding, naturally led to Patricia becoming a member, and now Deputy Chair, of the Monash Institute of Medical Research's Fundraising Advisory Group and to her developing a fierce commitment to the future of our young scientists in Australia.

Dawn King WISE Founder Circle Supporter. Dawn King has extensive experience in marketing and corporate affairs including service as press secretary to a Victorian State Government Minister and over ten years as the Corporate Affairs Director of a major public company.

Gail Risbridger Program Vice-Chair and WISE Founder Circle Supporter. Professor Gail Risbridger is an Associate Director of the Monash Institute of Medical Research and Director of the Institute's Centre for Urological Research. She is an active member of both the Public Affairs and Fundraising Advisory Groups in addition to her academic leadership roles. Gail leads a team of highly motivated young scientists focusing on high quality research in the field of male reproductive endocrinology that is recognized nationally and overseas, and includes basic science and clinical studies. She is a passionate scientist with the gift of being able to cross the divide between student and teacher which attract the highest quality of students from around the world wishing to develop their careers at Gail's Centre.