Toner Stevenson

Dr. Toner Stevenson is an Honorary Associate and History Affiliate at the School of Humanities, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Sydney. She holds a Doctorate of Social Sciences in museology (2016) from the same institution, alongside a Master of Management (Arts) and a Bachelor of Design. With over 35 years in museum leadership roles at institutions like the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (Powerhouse Museum), Sydney Living Museums, and the Natural History Museum in London, she specializes in museum theory, heritage management, and exhibition design history. Currently, she serves on the ICOM Australia Executive Board, Royal Society (NSW), and leads Sydney City Skywatchers. Her research focuses on the history of astronomy (Australian and global), gendered history in science, and architectural design history.

Education:

• BA (Design)
• M Management (Arts), University of Technology Sydney
• Doctor of Social Sciences, University of Sydney (2016)

Research Interests:

• Gendered history in astronomy and science
• Australian colonial and modern astronomical heritage
• Museum exhibition design and theory
• Recovery of women’s contributions to 19th/20th century science

Awards:

• National Trust Heritage Awards (2017, 2015)
• MAGNA Highly Commended (2012)
• Martin Davies Award (2012)
• SGE Fellowship (1998)

Advancing Science & Grants:

• Co-led 2020 Biennale of Sydney project on women astronomers
• ABC Radio National collaborations on hidden figures in science
• Recipient of SGE Travelling Fellowship for Smithsonian research
• Developed Indigenous astronomy programs at Sydney Observatory

Labs/Teams:

• Sydney Observatory
• Sydney Living Museums
• International Council of Museums (ICOM) Australia
• Sydney City Skywatchers