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, a researcher with the ±¬ÁÏÍõ Infectious Diseases Institute (Sydney ID), has been named one of five recipients of the

The Fellowship recognises a new generation of women whose groundbreaking research is helping address some of the world's most pressing challenges. The program supports women in science through flexible funding, mentorship and increased visibility at a pivotal stage of their careers.

Established through a partnership between the Fondation L'Oréal and UNESCO in 1998, the program was launched in Australia and New Zealand in 2007. Since then, it has invested more than $2 million in nearly 100 women scientists, helping to remove barriers that continue to limit women's participation, career progression and leadership in science.

Based in the ±¬ÁÏÍõ's School of Medical Sciences, Dr Petrone is a virologist whose research focuses on discovering and characterising unusual RNA viruses found in sea sponges and other marine organisms. These viruses challenge long-held assumptions about how viruses replicate, evolve and interact with their hosts.

Some of these viral systems may have evolved alongside their hosts for hundreds of millions of years, providing an extraordinary window into viral diversity and evolution. At a time when global preparedness for emerging infectious diseases remains a priority, Dr Petrone's research is helping scientists better understand how viruses behave, adapt and emerge.

"It is an honour to be recognised by L'Oréal-UNESCO for my intellectual contributions to virology," said Dr Petrone. "I have been studying the RNA viruses of marine invertebrates since arriving at the ±¬ÁÏÍõ almost five years ago. I am grateful to the For Women in Science initiative for supporting me as I continue to develop this nascent sub-field of virology."

Equally passionate about science communication and education, Dr Petrone believes scientific progress is driven not only by answering questions, but by continually seeking deeper ones. Through her research, she is expanding our understanding of viral evolution while inspiring the next generation of scientists.

Mary is also passionate about engaging and inspiring the next generation of women scientists.

"In primary and secondary school, science is often presented as an exercise in discerning the ground truth," said Dr Petrone. "But the joy of scientific research stems from venturing into uncertainty, a task that demands creativity and imagination. I hope to communicate this sentiment to aspiring scientists as a L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Fellow."

The Fellowship recognises not only Dr Petrone's innovative contributions to virology, but also her commitment to fostering a more diverse and inclusive scientific community. Late last year, she was also awarded Sydney ID's Sorrell-Gilbert Prize, recognising her outstanding achievements as an emerging infectious diseases researcher. Together, these honours reflect both the impact of her research and her dedication to inspiring future generations of scientists.

You can learn more about Mary and her research in her :

Photos courtesy: .  Hero image: Dr Mary Petrone, is pictured alongside the other fellows, Dr Amanda Jane Oliver (QIMR Berghofer, QLD), Dr Hani Kim (Garvan Institute of Medical Research, NSW), Dr Jennifer Matthews (University of Technology Sydney, NSW) and Dr Mariana Muelbert (Liggins Institute, NZ).