We are proud to present this year’s finalists for the Women of Colour in STEM Awards, each a testament to the incredible potential and profound impact of women of colour in STEM fields. Their dedication, innovation, and perseverance set a powerful example and inspire a brighter future in STEM.
Leadership Award
This award recognises a woman of colour who has demonstrated exceptional leadership within her organisation or the broader STEM community.
Adelaide University
University of Technology Sydney
Anvarta Pty Ltd
Beca
Centre for Atomaterials and Nanomanufacturing (CAN),
RMIT University
Culture Amp
Innovator/Entrepreneur Award
This award recognises a woman of colour who has developed a novel product, idea, or technology within STEM fields.
University of Sydney
University of New South Wales
Umeed Psychology
Monash University
Scientific Research Award
This award recognises a woman of colour who has made substantial contributions to scientific knowledge, with research that has wide-reaching impacts.
UNSW
Edith Cowan University
University of Technology Sydney
University of Technology Sydney
UNSW
Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute;
University of Melbourne
King Edward Memorial Hospital
Flinders University
Faculty of IT at Monash University
Deakin University
Rising Star (Academic) Award
This award recognises a young academic woman of colour who has shown exceptional promise through her research and scholarly activities.
The University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne
Deakin university
CSIRO
Deakin university
Monash University
University of Sydney
Deakin University
Queensland University of Technology
Adelaide University
PhD Scholar Award
This award recognises a woman of colour who has achieved significant academic distinction through her doctoral research and continues to impact her field in STEM
The University of Melbourne
Western Australian Museum
Adelaide University
Western Sydney University / University of Sydney
Monash University
Adelaide University
University of Wollongong
Deakin University
Padmakumar
University of Melbourne
University of Queensland
Healthcare Impact Award
This award recognises a woman of colour whose innovations have significantly improved patient care, treatment methodologies, or healthcare systems.
Melbourne IVF
La Trobe University
RMIT University
James Cook University
Environmental Impact Award
This award recognises a woman of colour who has made significant contributions to environmental science, sustainability efforts, or conservation.
UNSW
Western Sydney University
Australian Humanitarian Partnership Support Unit, Alinea International
CSIRO
Adelaide University
University of Melbourne
Macquarie University
Macquarie University
University of New South Wales
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
Data Science/AI Pioneer Award
This award recognises a woman of colour who has made significant contributions to the field of data science/ AI through innovative research, development of new methodologies, or impactful data-driven solutions.
Adelaide University
CSIRO
University of New South Wales (UNSW)
Monash University and University of Melbourne
Murdoch University
La Trobe University
Technology Trailblazer Award
This award recognises a woman of colour who has pioneered new technological advancements, setting new standards and opening opportunities in the tech industry.
University of Technology Sydney
Diagnostics,
ZiP Diagnostics
Woodside Energy
IRIS by Argon&Co
Monash University
Outstanding Engineer Award
This award recognises a woman of colour who has demonstrated exceptional skill and innovation in engineering, leading major projects and advancing her field.
RMIT University
Monash University
RMIT University
Emerging Leader (Industry)Award
This award recognises a young woman of colour who shows promising leadership qualities and has made notable early career contributions to her industry.
NSW Dept. of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water
ITW
Advancell
Valkyrie Consulting
Victorian Aboriginal Health Service
Infrastructure Award
This award recognises a woman of colour who has significantly contributed to infrastructure development, improving societal or environmental conditions.
James Cook University
BMD
University of Technology Sydney
STEM Teachers Award
This award recognises a woman of colour who excels in school teaching (primary or secondary) STEM subjects, inspiring students through innovative methods and dedicated engagement.
Australian International Academy
Kolbe Catholic College
Kambrya College
Kaurna Plains School
Girls’ Programming Network/Wattle Education
Twistyfic
Guiding Star Mentorship Award
This award recognises a woman of colour who excels in mentoring others in her field, fostering professional growth and personal development among her mentees.
Monash University
The University of Notre Dame Australia
Faculty of Science,
Monash University
Deakin University
RMIT University
Telstra
La Trobe University
Allyship for Equity Award
This award recognises a dedicated ally who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to supporting, advocating for, and uplifting Women of Colour (WOC) in STEM.
Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation (ANSTO)
Monash University
A huge thank you to our sponsors for powering this important work. Your support helps us recognise outstanding STEM Professionals, inspire future generations, and advance equity across STEM. We’re still welcoming sponsors to join this growing movement.
Celebrate our winners and Finalists at our Awards night!
- Date: 5 October 2026
- Time: 6.00 – 10.00 pm
- Venue: The Leaper Family Pavilion, Arts Centre Melbourne
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of a night dedicated to celebrating diversity, excellence, and the future of STEM. Reserve your spot now and be inspired by the brilliance of women of colour in STEM.
