Queensland Women in STEM Prize

Showcasing inspiring women working in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM), whose practice benefits Queenslanders.

What's important

  • Winners have now been announced.

About the 2023 Queensland Women in STEM Prize

The 2023 Queensland Women in STEM Prize recognises the valuable contribution of Queensland women working in STEM careers and aims to inspire women and girls to start and thrive in STEM careers for the benefit of the whole community.

This state-wide competition is open to women working in STEM careers in Queensland who have made an outstanding contribution to STEM fields and who proactively support women and girls in STEM through engagement activities.  

Winners

Congratulations to the four outstanding women named as recipients of the 2023 Queensland Women in STEM Prize.

The Judges’ Award was awarded to Dr Sue-Ann Watson, Senior Lecturer at James Cook University and Senior Scientist and Curator of Marine Invertebrates at Museum of Tropical Queensland, for her pivotal role in advancing research on Queensland’s marine life during environmental changes.

The Breaking Barriers Award was awarded to Lena Oestreich from The University of Queensland for her work using artificial intelligence to prevent mental illness. 

The Highly Commended Awards were presented to:

  • Catherine Kim from QUT, for her research into coral rubble, using statistical models and machine learning to assist in maintaining the health of the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Jayishni Maharaj, from Griffith University, a researcher who is using digital foot models to pave the future for precision healthcare, and a co-founder of the Biomechanics Research Innovation Challenge, a project that aims to increase the participation of girls in STEM subjects.

The 2023 Queensland Women in STEM Prize is presented by Queensland Museum Network, the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist, and the Office for Women and Violence Prevention.

Watch the 2023 compilation video to:

  • hear from some extraordinary Queensland women working in STEM
  • learn the benefits of STEM careers including advice for girls and women.
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