South African Indian scientist is Woman of the Year

Johannesburg, Aug 5 : An internationally acclaimed South African Indian palaeobiologist has been named Woman of the Year ahead of the National Women's Day Aug 9, celebrated as a public holiday.

Professor Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan was also named the winner in the category for achievement in Science and Technology in the prestigious annual contest run by national supermarket chain Shoprite Checkers and the public broadcast channel SABC2 of the South African Broadcasting Corporation.

Chinsamy-Turan's work has been recognised locally and internationally and, in a field where there are very few women, she has achieved several awards in recognition of research excellence.

"South Africa has made substantial progress in education and I think this recognition shows that young people can have real hopes and dreams of becoming scientists. I really hope that we see more people entering the science arena, especially young women," Chinsamy-Turan said.

Her innovative research on the microstructure of fossil bone has led to a significant advancement in the field and to a better understanding of the biology of a variety of extinct animals - from the mammal-like reptiles of South Africa to dinosaurs and early birds.

Her work uses the biological signals recorded in the bone microstructure of modern animals to interpret the microscopic structure of bones of extinct animals, leading to a better appreciation of their growth and biology.

Her pioneering work of using bone microstructure to develop growth curves and interpretation of biological signals of extinct animals such as lifestyle adaptations, age and longevity has formed the basis of much of the current research of many palaeobiologists in this field.

In June 2005, Chinsamy-Turan published the first book devoted entirely to fossil bone microstructure titled "The Microstructure of Dinosaur Bone - Interpreting Biology through Fine Scale Techniques".

The head of the judging panel in the Science and Technology category of the awards, Professor Petro Terblanche, said of Chinsamy-Turan: "She is an inspiration and role model not only for women in science but for society.

"As the only female professional palaeobiologist in South Africa she has achieved global recognition for her innovative work on fossil bones - putting South Africa on the world science map by providing essential clues on the evolution of the world, which is critical for managing our future.

"She is a change manager for society on their appreciation of science; she is a globally recognised scientist, and she is a mother, a wife, a mentor and a pioneer: a true role model for all South Africans to take their education seriously and to dream big." (IANS)