Queensland celebrates women’s achievements at annual STEM awards
Women in Technology has revealed the recipients of the 28th annual Women in Technology Awards, recognising Queensland's female leaders in science, technology, engineering and digital innovation.
The awards ceremony took place at Brisbane's Royal International Convention Centre, acknowledging achievements across a broad spectrum of STEM fields and bringing attention to the individuals and teams making significant contributions in both public and private sectors.
WiT Chair, Iyari Cevallos, emphasised the 2025 event's central message of unity and mutual support among women in science and technology.
"This year's theme, 'Stronger Together,' reflects the power of collaboration, unity and shared purpose. When women support each other, we don't just lift individuals - we strengthen entire industries and communities," said Iyari Cevallos, WiT Chair.
Cevallos also highlighted the tangible impact this year's winners are making within Queensland, underlining their influence on both local and broader communities.
"This year's winners are leading groundbreaking research, driving innovation in regional communities, and delivering transformative public sector and industry projects. Their work is changing industries and creating lasting impact for the people of Queensland and beyond."
This year's awards received more than 270 nominations across ten categories, of which 11 winners were announced. The range of categories acknowledged work in biomedical research, regional innovation, public sector, digital health and broader STEM achievements.
The recognised winners included Rennae Hopkins, who received the First Nations Change Maker Award, and Alise Fox, winner of the Emerging Science Star Award. The Raising the Regions Award was jointly presented to Professor Rowena Barrett and Sarah Chapman, highlighting efforts to advance STEM in regional Queensland. The Public Sector Excellence Award went to the QCase Project and Transition Teams, while Dr Catherine Franklin took home the Lifting Communities Award. Clarissa Yates from Ketim Technologies was acknowledged with the Future Focused Business Achiever Award.
The Excellence in Research Award was shared by Dr Jacqui McGovern and Professor Christine Anne Beveridge, recognising notable research output and impact. Dr Lalehvash Moghaddam received the Excellence in Industry Leadership Award. Employer of Change was awarded to GHD, and Dr Aida Branković was named Emerging Tech Star.
The Highly Commended recipients also spanned several categories, including Dr Scarlett Raine (Emerging Tech Star), SPARQ-ed Students Performing Advanced Research Queensland (Lifting Communities), and Julie Spicer from The Connection Table (Raising the Regions).
Spotlight on STEM contributions
Backed by sponsorship from QUT, Powerlink, Auto & General Australia, Translational Research Institute Australia, the University of Queensland, and Australian Indigenous AI, the awards are positioned as one of the largest and longest-running STEM recognition programs in the country. This year's event focused on the diverse roles women play in advancing biomedical research and technology, delivering new solutions in agriculture, and bringing forward environmental and aero science developments.
Despite the rapid growth of the digital technology sector within Australia, Women in Technology cited statistics highlighting ongoing gender disparity. Women make up only 29% of the STEM-skilled workforce, have lower average earnings than male peers, and continue to be underrepresented in senior positions.
The association explains the awards' key purpose is to increase support for women entering STEM fields and to encourage their advancement into senior roles, aiming to close gaps in participation and representation over time.