Meet Associate Professor Wendy Gold

Wendy Gold is an Associate Professor at the University of Sydney in the School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health and a Neurobiologist based in the Kids Neuroscience Centre, Kids Research at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. She teaches third year Medical Science students on the subject of translating medical discoveries into the clinic and leads a research team who are focused on finding cures for children with devastating and sometimes life-threatening genetic disorders.

"My interest is fuelled by the love and passion for finding a cure for children who have debilitating and life-threatening incurable genetic disorders."

When asked what she would like her influence to be in the workplace, Gold says, "Promoting a positive work culture where everyone is happy and even excited to be at work, one that is inclusive and embraces all cultures, backgrounds, genders and opinions".

Keeping in line with the campaign theme of #BreakTheBias, Gold says "Bias can result in a negative work culture and can slow down progress".

"This has particularly devastating consequences in the field of medical research as some children with life-threatening disorders do not have the luxury of time. So, freedom for team members to articulate their opinion in a safe, professional and respective manner is critical."

To her third year students, she is an inspiration, but Gold says her role model is Nelson Mandela. She was born in South Africa during the Apartheid era and says the most transformational event in the country was the day Mandela was released from prison, with the second being the day he was made president of the country.

Her advice for other women looking to further themselves in their career, "Don’t hold back and don’t feel you’re being judged, because most of the time you’re probably not. Sometimes our self-esteem or how we perceive how others think of us keep us from fulfilling our dreams".

"Be strong, be bold be fearless!"

Read more about some of the other inspiring women across Kids Research in celebration of International Women’s Day.