New Sydney ferry honours astronomer Ruby Payne-Scott

A new Sydney ferry has been named in honour of Ruby Payne-Scott – an Australian pioneer in radio physics and astronomy and outspoken advocate for women’s rights.

Academy Fellow Professor Nalini Joshi – a world-renown mathematician and recipient of the Academy’s own Ruby Payne-Scott Medal – represented the Academy at the launch ceremony, held on Sydney Harbour at Barangaroo Wharf.

Professor Joshi, who is the Payne-Scott Professor at the University of Sydney, drew on Ruby’s foundational contributions to radio astronomy and the systemic discrimination Ruby faced as Australia’s first female radio astronomer.

True passion

“Ruby was already attending the University of Sydney at the age of 16, and just a few years later, became only the third woman to graduate in physics from that institution,” Professor Joshi said in her speech.

“During the Second World War, Ruby was hired as a librarian by Amalgamated Wireless Australasia. She used this position to find her way into her true passion in research, turning her position into a full-time role as a physicist.

“In 1941, she joined the CSIR Division of Radiophysics, where she made her greatest scientific contributions. From 1944 to 1951, Ruby helped lay the very foundations of radio astronomy—a whole new way of seeing the universe.

“She helped uncover how the sun sends out bursts of radio energy and developed instruments that could ‘film’ solar explosions in real time.

“Her work enabled Australia to become a world leader in this field.”

More than a scientist

But, Professor Joshi said, Ruby was more than a scientist – she was an advocate for women’s rights at a time when doing so came at great personal cost.

“She questioned why women couldn't wear shorts while climbing radio towers, why they weren’t paid equally, why they were forced to resign upon marriage or pregnancy.

“Ruby didn’t win every battle. In fact, she was forced out of her role after expecting her second child, ending her scientific career far too early at the age of 39.

“But the stands she took helped shift the conversation – and eventually, the policies – that had kept women out of science.”

The ferry’s naming aims to encourage girls and women to consider a STEM career, and is a proud tribute to Ruby’s excellence and perseverance.

The seven new Parramatta River Class ferries, replacing the 30-year-old RiverCats, are named after notable Australians who have made significant contributions to science, culture and the community. Five of these vessels have so far entered service:

• Associate Professor Isobel Bennett – celebrating Isobel Bennett, a pioneering marine biologist known for her work on Australian seashores
• Frances Bodkin – named after Frances Bodkin, a respected D’harawal elder, botanist and educator
• Professor Martin Green FAA – named after Professor Martin Green AM FAA FTSE FRS, a leading figure in solar energy research and development
• Dr John Nutt – honouring John Nutt for his lead role in the construction of the Sydney Opera House
• Ruby Payne-Scott – honouring one of Australia’s first female radio astronomers and a trailblazer for women in science.