Yvonne Aitken AM (17 October 1911 – 29 November 2004)[1] was an Australian agricultural scientist whose contributions to the field included studies of plant flowering as it depends on climate, season, and genetic factors.

[6] Aitken later received a scholarship called a Government Free Place that would enable her to attend the University of Melbourne to study agricultural sciences, despite financial pressures of the Great Depression at the time.

Despite the immense amount of time Aitken spent dedicated to her research, she enjoyed weaving and painting watercolors of the places that she visited for work over the years.

[2][3] In 1930 Aitken entered into residence at Janet Clarke Hall, the women's hostel of Trinity College, University of Melbourne[7] while studying her Bachelors of Agricultural Science (BAgSc) degree, which she received in 1936.

[3] She received her Master of Agricultural Science (MAgSc) degree from the University of Melbourne in 1939, with the side-project she submitted, stemming from her time at Burnley Gardens on seed hardness of subterranean clover.

[2] In 1970, Aitken received her Doctor of Agricultural Science (DAgSc) degree from the University of Melbourne, as result of her extensive work on flowering behavior over the course of 30 years.

[5] After retiring, Aitken continued to work in the plant sciences for 19 years, aiming to breed new varieties of maize for different climate ranges.

[5] In addition to her academic articles, Aitken coauthored a textbook titled Agricultural Science - An Introduction for Australian Students and Farmers which was published in 1962.

[2] This organization's goal is to recognize Australian citizens that make extraordinary contributions to society on the national and international level.

Aitken was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) due to her 'service in a particular locality or field of activity or to a particular group' as a general citizen.