Gael completed a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours at the University of Melbourne and a PhD in Immunology from The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute. Half way through the PhD, she realised a lab life was not for her; she wanted to make research come alive to others.
She had a 5 year plan to do it, and became the ABC’s first national science and medical reporter for TV News in 1986, then, over 30+ years, for The 7.30 Report, for Quantum and Catalyst, and presenter of ABC radio 774 Mid-morning and Afternoon shows. She developed science, ethics and natural history content for ABC TV Documentary, was presenter of Insight on SBS TV, a regular on ABC TV’s Einstein Factor, and is currently a regular commentator on ABC TV News Breakfast and an Honorary Fellow of the Centre for Advancing Journalism at the University of Melbourne.
Her extensive awards include the NSW Premier’s History Award, Walkley Award National Finalist, Austcare Media Award, winner MBF Wellbeing Journalism Award, numerous Michael Daley Journalism Awards, and UN Media Award Finalist.
Gael is author of two books, MC and facilitator in science, education, gender equity, violence against women, and media. The 14 Boards she has served on include the Melbourne Writers Festival, Cancer Council Australia, Museums Victoria, and the YMCA. She is currently a member of the Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority Board.
Gael received a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia in this year’s Australia Day Honours for significant service to science and broadcast media.