Parwinder Kaur

Parwinder Kaur is an Indian-born biotechnologist who is Director of the DNA Zoo Australia, and associate professor at the University of Western Australia. Her research involves genomic techniques to help conservation efforts for threatened and endangered species. On International Women's Day in 2023, Kaur was inducted into the WA Women's Hall of Fame.

Early life and education
Kaur spent her early life in Nawanshahr, Punjab. She received a PhD from the University of Western Australia in 2010 for her thesis, "Pathogenic behaviour of Albungo candida on Brassica juncea and mechanisms of host resistance". "From a young age, my biggest challenge was convincing family and community that female education and pursuing a career is of value, and a better investment than the traditional route of dowry and marriage. Having a natural thirst for knowledge it was a battle to overcome rigid cultural norms and carve a course allowing me to attend university."

"Just perfect timing to win a PhD scholarship as the way to “Escape marriage”, and come to Australia to pursue my passion.

I always wanted a career that is evolving and exciting every morning I go to work and here I am following a hobby to discover new secrets of life through the lens of DNA – the blueprint of life!

Career
Kaur is a biotechnologist who has spent more than a decade researching genomic methodologies, including cross-disciplinary biodiversity genomic research, as well as conservation biology and genomics. Her research aims to use genomic technologies to investigate biodiversity and natural environments, with the goal of working towards sustainable futures. Her research has also used AI, in biodiversity and genomic innovation.

Kaur is an entrepreneur, in the biotechnology sector, with a company called Ex Planta Pty Ltd combining technology with bio-engineering solutions. She is also an ambassador for GirlsXTech, and a Women in Technology WA Role Model.

Kaur was appointed to be on a Diversity in STEM expert panel, within the office of MP Ed Husic, the Minister for Industry and Science, Australia.

Media
Kaur has been in the media for her work increasing the participation of women and boosting diversity in Science Technology Engineering and Maths. Her work in biotechnology and recognition for her contributions to science and diversity in the WA Women's Hall of Fame, during International Women's Day was reported in SBS Media.

Kaur has also written for The Conversation, on Avian Flu, and migrating birds bringing avian flu to Australian birds. She argued that preparation including understanding ways of detecting and tracking outbreaks of viruses in wildlife, is necessary to protect against viral outbreaks crossing from wildlife to humans.

Select publications
Kaur had 1358 citations and an H number of 21 as at October 2023. Select examples of her publications include the following:


 * Clair Hoencamp et al. 3D genomics across the tree of life reveals condensin II as a determinant of architecture type. Science 372,984-989(2021).
 * Nichols P. G. H., Foster K. J., Piano E., Pecetti L., Kaur P., Ghamkhar K., Collins W. J. (2013) Genetic improvement of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.). 1. Germplasm, traits and future prospects. Crop and Pasture Science 64, 312–346.
 * Nichols P. G. H., Foster K. J., Piano E., Pecetti L., Kaur P., Ghamkhar K., Collins W. J. (2013) Genetic improvement of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.). 1. Germplasm, traits and future prospects. Crop and Pasture Science 64, 312–346. https://doi.org/10.1071/CP13118

Recognition and awards

 * 2023: Finalist, Agenda Setter of the Year, Women's Agenda Leadership Awards
 * 2023: Australian Sikh Woman of the Year
 * 2023: WA Women's Hall of Fame
 * 2021–2022: Superstar of STEM, Science & Technology Australia
 * 2019–2020: Microsoft's AI for Earth award
 * 2013: Science and Innovation Award, Australian Academy of Science