Ruby Violet Payne-Scott (28 May 1912 – 25 May 1981) was an Australian pioneer in radiophysics and radio astronomy.

Early life and education

Ruby Payne-Scott was born on 28 May 1912 in Grafton, New South Wales, the daughter of Cyril Payne-Scott and his wife Amy (née Neale).

In 2021, the Australian Academy of Science established the Ruby Payne-Scott Medal and Lecture for Women, to honour Australian pioneer women scientists.

In 2025, Transport for NSW named a Parramatta River class ferry the Ruby Payne-Scott as part of a set of five honouring prominent Sydney scientists and engineers. A tunnel boring machine used in New South Wales excavating the Metro West is named after her.

Professional roles

  • Research fellow, Cancer Research Committee, University of Sydney, 1932–35

Further reading

  • Goss, W. M. (Miller) & McGee, Richard; Under the Radar: The First Woman in Radio Astronomy: Ruby Payne-Scott. Springer, 2010
  • Goss, W. M. (Miller); Making Waves: The Story of Ruby Payne-Scott: Australian Pioneer Radio Astronomer. Springer, 2013 (An abbreviated, partly re-written version of "Under the Radar " intended for a non-specialist reader)
  • Solar Radio Burst Classifications with a description of Type I/II/III/IV bursts and sub-types