Queensland Women in STEM Prize 2026

The 2026 Queensland Women in STEM Prize recognises and rewards the extraordinary women who exemplify innovation, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge and discovery.

Presented by the Queensland Museum in collaboration with the Queensland Government through the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation and the Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism through the Office for Women. The prize casts a well-deserved spotlight on Queensland women making profound impacts and driving transformative change in STEM fields.

In 2026, prizes will be awarded across three categories

The Judges’ Award ($10,000 excl GST total prize money, presented by Energy Queensland): open to emerging leaders in STEM who identify as a woman and have been working in their field for no more than 10 years in total.

First Nations STEM Award ($10,000 excl GST prize money, presented by AECOM): open to emerging leaders in STEM who identify as a woman and have been working in their field for no more than 10 years in total, and:

• are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage;
• identify as an Aboriginal and /or Torres Strait Islander person; and
• are accepted as such by the communities in which live or have lived.

Breaking Barriers Award ($10,000 excl GST prize money): open to emerging leaders in STEM who identify as a woman and have been working in their field for no more than 10 years in total, and:

• are an individual who has settled in Queensland as a refugee (as defined under the Migration Act 1958); and/or
• have a disability (as defined under the Disability Services Act 2006); and/or
• are a carer (as defined under the Carers (Recognition) Act 2008).

With a total prize pool of $30,000, the prize supports the winners' ongoing groundbreaking work and acknowledges their exceptional contributions to their respective fields.

Nominations for the 2026 Queensland Women in STEM Prize are now closed. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in November.