Margaret Hardy

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.

Calling: “Research is a creative career – you’re constantly problem solving, collaborating, and looking at problems from different angles. Throw in travel for research and conferences and I was hooked!”

Emphasis: “My research is focused on the discovery and characterization of new ‘green’ insecticides from the venom of Australian spiders. These compounds are specific for insects, and may have novel mechanisms.”

Triumph: “Patent filing has been my most exciting achievement – and the patent has opened doors for the project and me.”

Advice: “First, recognize that innovation is central to good science. Second, cultivate other ‘soft’ skills that can help with funding applications.”

Regret: “Definitely not. A PhD in chemistry provides a solid launch pad, but developing other skills is key.”

Part of the Power List 2014

In 2013, we compiled a list of the Top 100 most influential analytical scientists – an endeavor that received a significant amount of attention and, it’s fair to say, caused more than a little controversy. Our 2014 Top 40 Under 40 list almost halves the average age of the celebrated individuals, with many of them born in the same year as the iconic Sex Pistols cover – 1977.

Go to The Power List 2014