Queensland Women in STEM Prize 2023

The 2023 Queensland Women in STEM Prize recognises Queensland women who make an outstanding contribution in the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and inspires women and girls to get involved!

The contribution of women and girls to the STEM fields in Queensland is profound. However, women continue to be under-represented as leaders and under-recognised for their contribution across many domains. This is particularly true across STEM endeavours.

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 roles for the benefit of the whole community.

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

The Judges’ Award

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. Her research helps to both predict the impacts of environmental change on marine ecosystems and inform the effective protection and management of marine resources to help safeguard a healthy and resilient ocean environment.

Sue-Ann is passionate about communicating STEM to non-scientific audiences to foster better public understanding of science, and translates her research through museum exhibitions, talks, information sessions and citizen science projects. She is an ambassador and role model for women in STEM and is a valued peer-coach for her women leadership colleagues who share the challenge of balancing work and parenting.

  • Dr Sue-Ann Watson showcasing advancing research on Queensland’s marine life during environmental changes. Her research helps to both predict the impacts of environmental change on marine ecosystems and inform the effective protection and management of…

    Dr Sue-Ann Watson showcasing advancing research on Queensland’s marine life during environmental changes. Her research helps to both predict the impacts of environmental change on marine ecosystems and inform the effective protection and management of marine resources to help safeguard a healthy and resilient ocean environment.

Breaking Barriers Award

The Breaking Barriers Award was awarded to Lena Oestreich from The University of Queensland for her work using artificial intelligence to prevent mental illness.  Lena’s research uses artificial intelligence to detect patterns and information in neuroimaging data that scientists were previously unable to identify, and can identify subtle forms of these patterns in people who are at risk of developing a mental illness.

  • Lena Oestreich, from the University of Queensland has been commended for her work using artificial intelligence to prevent mental illness. Lena’s research uses artificial intelligence to detect patterns and information in neuroimaging data that…

    Lena Oestreich, from the University of Queensland has been commended for her work using artificial intelligence to prevent mental illness. Lena’s research uses artificial intelligence to detect patterns and information in neuroimaging data that scientists were previously unable to identify, and can identify subtle forms of these patterns in people who are at risk of developing a mental illness.

Highly Commended Awards

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.
  • Catherine Kim is from QUT and conducted research into coral rubble, using statistical models and machine learning to assist in maintaining the health of the Great Barrier Reef.

    Catherine Kim is from QUT and conducted 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…

    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 this 2023 Queensland Women in STEM Prize compilation video to:

  • hear from some extraordinary Queensland women working in STEM
  • learn the benefits of STEM careers including advice for girls and women.
  • Hear from the outstanding STEM professionals who have been awarded as part of the 2023 Queensland Women in STEM Prize.

    Hear from the outstanding STEM professionals who have been awarded as part of the 2023 Queensland Women in STEM Prize.