Bärbel S. Koribalski
	CSIRO Australia Telescope National Facility
	Sydney, Australia
	Job Title: Senior Research Scientist

She is an Astronomer: How many years since you got your maximum degree?

Bärbel Koribalski: 15 years.

SIAA: What is the most senior position you have achieved?

BK: Deputy Astrophysics Group Leader

SIAA: What drove you into an astronomy career?

BK: The chance to investigate interesting problems using physics and maths.

SIAA: Do you feel it was more difficult for you to get a job or a promotion in comparison with male astronomers?

BK: Yes: theDirector, Deputy Director and four Assistant Directors are all male; secretaries all female.

SIAA: Are women under-represented in your institution?

BK: Yes. Approximately 30% are women.

SIAA: What is your family status?

BK: Partner, one child (now 10), parents overseas.

SIAA: Have you had any career breaks?

BK: Maternity leave.

SIAA: How difficult did you find the return to work?

BK: It waseasy – I had the full support from the Director at the time.

SIAA: How many hours per day do you normally dedicate to work?

BK: 8 hours.

SIAA: What would most help you advance your career?

BK: Building up a research group to work directly with more postdocs and students.

SIAA: What recommendation would you make to young women starting their career in astronomy?

BK: Go for it !

SIAA: What have been your career highlights so far?

BK: (1) organizing my own international symposium was amazing; (2) observing with telescopes around the world is always a great experience, (3) meeting people from around the world and exchange ideas, start and enhance collaborations, etc.