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 were awarded across three categories:

• Judges’ Award
• First Nations STEM Award
• Breaking Barriers Award.

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.

2026 winners

Dr Loan Nguyen: Judges’ Award Winner

Dr Loan Nguyen, an agricultural genomics researcher, brings genetic testing to Queensland farms. Her innovative research was the first to show a tail-hair sample can reveal cattle genetic value, age and parentage on-farm, while partnerships extend industry impact. Through capability building and mentoring, she strengthens pathways for women in STEM.

Dr Carly Randall: Judges’ Award Highly Commended

Dr Carly Randall is an internationally recognised coral ecologist and restoration scientist helping secure the Great Barrier Reef’s future. Through ReefSeed, CoralPods and restoration programs, she translates research into scalable solutions, builds partnerships with Traditional Owners and transfers Queensland innovation internationally while mentoring women, Indigenous practitioners and emerging marine scientists.

Dr Louise Sernicki: Judges’ Award Highly Commended

Dr Louise Sternicki is a biomedical researcher and native mass spectrometry specialist expanding Queensland’s drug discovery capability. Her methods reveal complex molecular interactions, including in cancer, stroke and infectious diseases, while her contribution to Australia’s first charge detection mass spectrometry facility, industry collaborations, mentoring and outreach supports discovery and STEM talent.

Dr Kristen Clarke: Breaking Barriers Award Winner

Dr Kristen Clarke is a forensic scientist translating research into operational practice for the Queensland Police Service. Her innovations improve evidence detection, officer safety and investigative capability while reducing costs. Through mentoring, outreach and her alternative pathway into science, she champions accessible STEM careers and inspires forensic researchers and practitioners.

Dr Kate Dutton-Regester: Breaking Barriers Award Highly Commended

Dr Kate Dutton-Regester is a wildlife ecologist building Queensland’s evidence base for short-beaked echidna conservation. Her program combines citizen science, camera trapping, telemetry, genetics, environmental DNA and detection dogs, engaging communities while creating pathways for women researchers. Her work makes an overlooked species visible to science, policy and conservation action.

Jade Gould: First Nations Award Winner

Jade Gould is a Butchulla and Woppaburra woman, CSIRO Research Fellow and First Nations scientist. Her First Nations Ecology framework brings palaeoecology and Traditional Ecological Knowledge together to inform care for K’gari, climate adaptation and environmental policy, while advancing self-determination and inspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in STEM.

Davina Smith: First Nations Award Highly Commended

Davina Smith is a Gooreng Gooreng and South Sea Islander woman advancing Indigenous-led health research in Queensland. Through the Strong Families Study, community consultation and cultural mentorship, she centres Indigenous knowledge and self-determination, strengthening culturally responsive research while inspiring First Nations women and girls to pursue STEM leadership pathways.

2026 Finalists

Dr Jenna Wraith is a conservation scientist and digital infrastructure leader transforming biodiversity research and decision-making.

Associate Professor Taylor Dick is a biomedical scientist and STEM leader advancing biomechanics, neuromuscular physiology and wearable robotics.

Dr Larissa Dirr is an internationally recognised glycovirologist and structural biologist advancing treatments for respiratory viruses.

Dr Rabina Giri is a biomedical researcher, microbiologist and biotechnology leader developing approaches to inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer.