About Ruby Payne-Scott
Lived 1912 – 1981 (aged 68). Ruby Payne-Scott was an Australian physicist, astronomer and university teacher.
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
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Important facts
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Ruby Payne-Scott's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Ruby Payne-Scott?
Australian radio astronomer (1912-1981)
When was Ruby Payne-Scott born?
Ruby Payne-Scott was born on 28 May 1912 in Grafton.
When did Ruby Payne-Scott die?
Ruby Payne-Scott died on 25 May 1981 in Mortdale.
What was Ruby Payne-Scott's occupation?
Ruby Payne-Scott was a physicist, astronomer and university teacher.
What nationality was Ruby Payne-Scott?
Ruby Payne-Scott was Australian.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Ruby Payne-Scott. https://biography.guide/ruby-payne-scott/
MLA: "Ruby Payne-Scott." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/ruby-payne-scott/.
Chicago: "Ruby Payne-Scott." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/ruby-payne-scott/.
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