Moe Thandar Wynn

As a professor of Information Technology specialising in data and process science, I develop foundational knowledge and innovative data-driven algorithms to support the digital transformation of organisations. I lead the Process Science research group and co-lead QUT’s Centre for Data Science Data for Discovery Theme. My current research investigates theories and techniques in data quality management and process intelligence so that ethical and unbiased insights are generated from digital trails left by process executions. I am working on integrating process technology with artificial intelligence and data mining to revolutionize how organizations adapt their processes in real-time and respond to external threats by continuously sensing from process digital trails. My research takes a process-centric lens to design data science methods that visualize, automate and innovate processes. I have more than 15 years of experience in interdisciplinary research with 25+ Australian partners. My research findings have been applied in diverse business contexts, visualising road trauma patients’ end-to-end journeys from roadside to bedside, undertaking privacy-preserving data analysis of Australian electronic health records, predicting agri-food supply chain risks, pinpointing bottlenecks in insurance claims, and modelling truck movements across Australia using Telematics data. As Vice Chair and steering committee member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (IEEE) Taskforce on Process Mining (2019 – 2023), I revised an IEEE event data format standard, ran a global survey of process mining professionals to advance data quality approaches, facilitated the certification of process mining tools, and promoted process mining research for wider industry adoption.

Watch her inspiring video here!

Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy

The Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy is a groundbreaking initiative that empowers young Indigenous women to excel in STEM education and pursue careers in the field. Recognised as the world’s first program of its kind, it received the prestigious CSIRO’s 2023 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Engagement Impact Excellence Medal. This initiative strategically invests in a generation of Indigenous female leaders, role models, and innovators in technology. The Academy provides tailored support from high school through various tertiary pathways, including university and into graduate employment. Its impact is profound, reaching participants, their families, and communities: • Over 650 total participants, exceeding its initial target of 600 • Achieving an impressive 96% retention rate from Year 8 to Year 12, significantly higher than the national average of 63% for Indigenous female students, and 92% retention in the Northern Territory for Year 8 to 11, compared to the 33% for Indigenous females in the Northern Territory • Delivered by predominantly Indigenous female staff, including those in leadership positions • Providing access to quality STEM opportunities for young women living in regional and remote communities As Australia has a target of 1.2 million tech-related jobs by 2030, our greatest impact is securing young Indigenous women’s prosperity and economic standing, not only for themselves, families and communities but for future generations, thus creating generational change. The Academy exemplifies the potential for young Indigenous women to harness their innate curiosity and passion, transforming them into thriving careers in technology and shaping future leaders and innovators.

Watch their inspiring video here!

Alka Kothari

As an obstetrician and gynaecologist deeply committed to uplifting others, particularly women in STEM, I challenge medical norms with courage and respect, advocating evidence-based care for pregnant women and families. Throughout my career, I’ve mentored numerous medical students, junior doctors, and researchers, emphasising career decisions and work-life balance, drawing from my clinical experiences and life journey. My research in obstetrics includes digital health solutions during COVID-19 and integrating pharmacists into antenatal care. My PhD research on ‘Forgotten Fathers in Pregnancy and Childbirth’ revealed significant mental health consequences like PTSD in fathers, influencing family dynamics and inter-generational health. As a Metro-North Clinician Research Fellow, I lead consumer-co-designed translational research on birth trauma, advocating for compassionate care of birthing families. As a leading expert in Birth Trauma, I was invited to provide evidence at the 2023 Select Committee on Birth Trauma Inquiry for the New South Wales Parliament. My research has catalysed national and international change in obstetric care. I influence national policy in various governance roles, on clinical advisory committees and boards of advocacy organisations, guiding community-supporting projects, and fostering inclusive healthcare practices. I serve on multiple state committees (Queensland Maternal and Perinatal Quality Council, UQ Medical School Research Committee). Recognised as an expert, I have given invited presentations and keynote addresses at major national and international conferences. I have received research excellence awards in Metro-North and at the RCOG World Congress, London 2019. I contribute as a media expert on perinatal mental health, advocating for evidence-based patient-centric care.

Watch her inspiring video here!

Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy

The Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy is a groundbreaking initiative that empowers young Indigenous women to excel in STEM education and pursue careers in the field. Recognised as the world’s first program of its kind, it received the prestigious CSIRO’s 2023 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Engagement Impact Excellence Medal. This initiative strategically invests in a generation of Indigenous female leaders, role models, and innovators in technology. The Academy provides tailored support from high school through various tertiary pathways, including university and into graduate employment. Its impact is profound, reaching participants, their families, and communities: • Over 650 total participants, exceeding its initial target of 600 • Achieving an impressive 96% retention rate from Year 8 to Year 12, significantly higher than the national average of 63% for Indigenous female students, and 92% retention in the Northern Territory for Year 8 to 11, compared to the 33% for Indigenous females in the Northern Territory • Delivered by predominantly Indigenous female staff, including those in leadership positions • Providing access to quality STEM opportunities for young women living in regional and remote communities As Australia has a target of 1.2 million tech-related jobs by 2030, our greatest impact is securing young Indigenous women’s prosperity and economic standing, not only for themselves, families and communities but for future generations, thus creating generational change. The Academy exemplifies the potential for young Indigenous women to harness their innate curiosity and passion, transforming them into thriving careers in technology and shaping future leaders and innovators.

Watch their inspiring video here!

Nathalie Piperidis

 I work for Sugar Research Australia (SRA) in Mackay, a beautiful country town in QLD. SRA is a non-profit organisation owned by growers and millers, dedicated in promoting, fostering and adopting cutting-edge research solutions for the Australian sugarcane industry while focusing on agricultural profitability and sustainability. My role involves channeling top-notch genetic research and innovative biotechnological approaches into the breeding programs. By applying advanced genomics, I aim to enhance sugarcane varieties by increasing their genetic gain and increasing their resistance to pest and diseases. The research impact not only boosts yields, increase diversity but also promotes eco-friendly agriculture. Collaborating with national and international research institutions, I ensure that biotechnologies benefit the sugarcane industry meaningfully. This year, my colleagues and I published the whole sequence of a sugarcane cultivar in the prestigious journal Nature. This achievement, which took over 10 years of combined biotechnological methods and expertise, has provided researchers worldwide with a complete genetic code of sugarcane. My contribution was developing the first cytogenetic method capable of providing the complete set of chromosomes of this highly complex crop, the number of copies and their species origin, guiding and confirming the genomic sequencing endeavours. The release of the sugarcane sequence is a fundamental output for new research projects aimed at providing farmers with enhanced sugarcane varieties. My goal is to leverage innovative genetic research to revolutionise the sugarcane industry while championing gender inclusivity and sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to SRA’s impact on increasing profitability and sustainability for agricultural sugarcane.

Watch her inspiring video here!

Hana Starobova

Each year, about 1000 Australian children are diagnosed with cancer and treated with life-saving cancer therapies. Most of these children will survive. However, these cancer survivors must live with the debilitating impacts of toxic cancer therapies for the rest of their lives. These are called toxic and late effects and include neuropathies, pain and motor and cognitive disabilities. Due to these toxic effects, paediatric cancer survivors have a high likelihood of developing anxiety and depression and age prematurely. Unfortunately, there are no treatments or strategies that would control or prevent these terrible toxic effects. This is due to the lack of understanding of these toxic effects and due to a lack of interest and advocacy for this small patient group. Another issue is that newly developed cancer treatments are never tested pre-clinically for long-term toxic effects, and these are discovered only during or after clinical studies when patients develop symptoms. Therefore, my research advocates for this under-recognised patient population and focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer therapy-induced toxic and late effects. I am using a range of scientific methodologies, including adult and juvenile preclinical models, to model cancer therapy-induced long-term toxicities and to develop strategies for prevention. Additionally, I collaborate with world-leading children’s hospitals, including the St. Jude’s Hospital (Memphis) and the Telethon Kids Institute (Perth), to test newly developed paediatric cancer regimens for long-term toxicities, driving the change towards safe paediatric cancer treatments.

Watch her inspiring video here!

Kate Kingston

 In Southeast Queensland we have a small but vibrant viticulture industry who have established themselves in the most unlikely of regions to produce beautiful wine. However, it is a state that is bombarded by extreme climatic events like flood, heat and drought which affects grape quality and yield but makes it an excellent location to study viticultural complications to prepare for the vineyards of the future. Through my PhD with the Centre of Planetary Health and Food Security at Griffith University, my research is invested in supporting our local vineyards endure these challenges by investigating the adoptation of climate-smart regenerative viticulture by the application of biochar and under vine nitrogen fixing vegetation. This research is supported by numerous local vineyards and the prestigious Wine Australia Dr Tony Jordan OAM PhD Top-Up Scholarship. Using laboratory research and establishing Queensland first vineyard trials in the South Burnett and Granite Belt regions, I research how biochar can impact soil microbial led nitrogen cycling in southeast Queensland vineyards using novel and innovative stable isotope and biomolecular technologies. These methods quantify the complex and dynamic biochemical cycles of carbon and nitrogen as well as hydrological cycle in the context of climate change and innovative soil-plant systems that underpin the future productivity and sustainability of regenerative viticulture in Queensland and nationally. Through my research I have spearheaded novel and innovative industry-based research at Griffith University, supporting upcoming undergraduate female scientists whilst being a representative for scientists with a disability.

Amena Khatun

As the lead of quantum machine learning at CSIRO’s Data61, I spearhead cutting-edge research to tackle complex societal challenges using advanced technologies. I innovate solutions to improve patient outcomes, enhance medical diagnoses, and advance healthcare accessibility. By developing quantum AI techniques for medical data analysis, image generation, and disease prediction, I provide healthcare professionals with powerful tools for informed decision-making. Collaborations with leading institutions like MITRE and Cleveland Clinic, U.S. highlight the impact of our work, as medical experts leverage our high-quality quantum AI-generated images for disease diagnosis and patient outcome prediction. My research does not stop here. I develop quantum adversarial AI algorithms to defend against data manipulation attacks, enhancing the resilience of AI systems and protecting critical infrastructure from malicious threats. My contributions extend to public safety, where I have created AI algorithms for face recognition, person search, and identification. These technologies have significantly improved the ability to track individuals involved in criminal activities and locate missing persons, particularly vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. Notably, some of these AI algorithms have been successfully deployed in Brisbane Airport’s surveillance and security systems. At CSIRO’s Data61, I am committed to advancing STEM fields by pioneering innovative quantum AI solutions, fostering industry and government collaborations, and mentoring the next generation of researchers. Through these efforts, I aim to drive significant social, economic, and environmental impacts, revolutionising the integration of AI and quantum technologies for the betterment of society.

Watch her inspiring video here!

Lauren Hanson

I led the hardware design and development of the Multi-Resolution Scanner (MRS) payload, a ground-breaking sensing payload developed at CSIRO in collaboration with Boeing and NASA. Launched to the International Space Station in March 2024, the MRS integrates CSIRO’s world-leading Wildcat SLAM and stereo depth fusion technologies for the first time, significantly enhancing data accuracy for precise mapping inside the space station. Over the past two years, I have led the hardware development and delivery of the MRS, overcoming challenges to ensure the payload was fit for flight. This involved making the hardware durable to launch loads and vibrations and ensuring it passed international safety standards and posed no harm to astronauts. The integrated sensing technologies onboard currently support critical applications on earth in robotics, mining and manufacturing industries, and combining these to increase our data accuracy and mapping abilities has clear potential to provide benefit on earth as well as in space. Our goal is to demonstrate the MRS payloads capability to produce reliable data, contributing to the growth of the Australian space industry with world-leading scanning technology. Potential future uses include external hull integrity scanning and inspection for damage from micrometeorites and monitoring inventory to enhance operational efficiency and safety aboard spacecraft, as well as deployment on off-world missions on exploration rovers. Working with experts at CSIRO, NASA and Boeing, I successfully delivered the hardware for CSIRO’s first payload to the ISS, uniting us in a common passion for advancing the space industry.

Paige Little

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) affects up to 5% of children worldwide, equivalent to about five children per grade in a typical state primary school. Regular follow-up is crucial because, if left untreated, scoliosis can worsen rapidly, leading to severe deformities and respiratory issues that may require extensive spinal fusion surgery. In Queensland, northern NSW, and the NT, essential scoliosis care is provided by the Qld Children’s Hospital. However, accessing this care is challenging for children in rural and remote areas. Parents must take time off work, arrange childcare, and organise travel and accommodation in Brisbane, making it difficult for rural patients to receive timely diagnosis and treatment. I have led development of an innovative solution, myScoliosis, which eliminates these barriers, ensuring equitable scoliosis care for rural patients. This digital technology virtually connects spinal specialists at the Qld Children’s Hospital with patients in remote areas. The parent-facing part of myScoliosis guides parents in taking photos of their child’s back, which are converted into a 3D model. Inbuilt algorithms automatically measure clinically important metrics from the model. Surgeons in Brisbane review the patient’s 3D deformity and scoliosis metrics and provide virtual point-of-care for the patient in their own home. Preliminary validation showed no significant differences in treatment plans between in-clinic and virtual care. myScoliosis has the potential to revolutionise pediatric spinal care by reducing specialist consultation times and improving patient wait times. This technology offers immense relief to families in regional Queensland, enabling them to receive care in their own home.

Your Track (Wei Liu, Dianne Shanley, Erinn Hawkins)

Over 1 million Australian children have neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD, Autism and FASD. These disorders cost Australia over $50 billion dollars/year. 4 out of 5 parents don’t get the help they need. Specialists, who diagnose these disorders, have waitlists of 1-3 years. Adding more specialists, the most scarce and costly healthcare resource, is not viable. We solved this problem by harnessing the power of everyday health providers. We took the specialist’s comprehensive assessment, broke it into 6 parts, and found that non-specialists could do 5 of the 6 parts. Then, we built a digital platform that stitched these parts back together. Kids could be seen in 6 months not 3 years right in primary care, close to home. We built our system through 5 years of co-design. We validated it with over 700 children from a remote community, and know that it works. Children are 4 times more likely to be identified and 6 times more likely to be supported close to home. Unlike other systems, ours works from birth through adolescence, and we are building in the algorithms to help health practitioners make evidence-based decisions about diagnosis and support. Right now, over 20 healthcare practices in Australia are waiting to use our product. We plan to reach 7000 nationwide GP practices through practice management software distribution channels. Then expand to non-specialist settings like schools, early learning, youth justice and child protection. Eventually we will reach the 400 million children with neurodevelopmental concerns worldwide, so no child is left behind.

Watch their video here

AIMS Reefworks (Melanie Olsen)

ReefWorks, established by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) with Queensland Government support, is a groundbreaking tropical marine technology test range that enables development, testing and deployment of emerging technologies such as autonomous marine systems. By providing access to world-class facilities and expertise, ReefWorks is helping drive Australian innovation in artificially intelligent marine robotics, fostering a sustainable tropical marine future, and positioning Australia at the forefront of marine technology. Tropical marine Australia is one of the harshest environments in the world with predators, remote ocean expanses, heat and climatic extremes. The impacts of climate change are increasing marine monitoring requirements temporally and spatially. Autonomous systems-augmented operations are crucial to meeting this growing demand but are challenging to develop due to limited testing facilities, unclear regulatory pathways and expensive support requirements. ReefWorks brings a new test and evaluation capability to Australia essential for certifying and commissioning autonomous marine systems into operational service. ReefWorks provides innovators with a safe, secure facility and dedicated expertise to test and evaluate emerging technologies such as artificially intelligent autonomous marine systems and new sensors in a real-world, tropical marine environment. ReefWorks is also a collaborative hub, engaging and sharing lessons learnt with industry, regulators, government and academic innovators in Australia and internationally. ReefWorks offers unparalleled opportunities for testing marine technology, fostering a sustainable future and reinforcing Australia’s position as a rising star in the global technology arena.

Watch their inspiring video here!

Gladstone Healthy Harbour Partnership (Kirsten McMahon & Hannah King)

The Gladstone Healthy Harbour Partnership (GHHP) envisions a thriving and sustainable Gladstone Harbour, achieved through four pillars: an annual Gladstone Harbour Report Card, robust scientific research, effective communication, and resilient governance. GHHP collaborates closely with 25 partner organisations, including industry, government, community, First Nations groups and research. These partnerships drive initiatives promoting sustainable practices, enhancing regulatory compliance, and fostering community engagement through education and citizen science. The cornerstone of GHHP’s efforts, the annual Gladstone Harbour Report Card, recently celebrated its tenth year, providing comprehensive, long-term insights into the environmental, social, cultural, and economic health of the harbour. Supported by an independent scientific review, the report aligns with the Australian Government’s Reef 2050 monitoring and reporting goals. GHHP’s recent Ten-Year Review confirms that the Report Card, Technical Report, project documents, and Stewardship Report are utilised to benefit local waterways through environmental stewardship activities, influence decision-making for scientific outcomes, inform monitoring requirements, increase collaboration, and meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements. It provides a credible source of information that stakeholders can rely on for planning and compliance purposes. Looking ahead, GHHP will continue to pioneer advancements in monitoring technologies, expand educational outreach, and advocate for policies supporting environmental stewardship and biodiversity conservation. Together, these efforts strengthen GHHP’s role in safeguarding Gladstone Harbour’s ecological integrity and ensuring its vitality for generations to come.

Felicity Furey

An award-winning business leader, engineer and entrepreneur, Felicity Furey has made a career out of making the ‘impossible’, possible. Named Boss Magazine’s Young Executive of The Year and one of AFR’s 100 Women of Influence, Felicity has a background in Civil Engineering and Project Management, led multi-million dollar infrastructure projects across Australia, founded five successful businesses and held a range of board and C-Suite roles. Currently Felicity is the Co-Founder and CEO of WeAspire, holds board positions with three companies and is undertaking her PhD in leadership. Felicity applies the design principles learnt in her professional career to engineer a better society. Work to date has included Volunteering for 12 years to co-found and lead Power of Engineering to inspire over 15,000 high school students about engineering careers, focusing on women and regional Australians Raising over $1 million to fund Power of Engineering Creating a team of 100s of volunteers across Australia to deliver Power of Engineering’s programs Co-founding and leading Machinam for 7 years which rewrote the mathematics text book for year 9 and 10 students to be relevant to the real world and rolled out nationally to over 35 schools across Australia Launching the Promoted Podcast in 2023 to support early career STEM professionals to get promoted and be great when they get there 15 years experience in engineering, predominantly on mega infrastructure projects, Felicity led Power of Engineering while working a day job as an engineer and took just one year off to scale Machinam.

Watch her inspiring video here!

GroundProbe (Kylie Robinson)

GroundProbe is a global technology leader specialising in real-time solutions for measuring and monitoring geohazards. Trusted by mining and civil operators worldwide, we provide the certainty needed for making critical decisions with confidence. For over 20 years, we have developed state-of-the-art technologies and software that deliver precise and reliable information to our customers, helping them manage risk, maintain operations and production, and ensure the safety of people and communities. With the broadest range of technologies and services and a global support network, GroundProbe offers complete, tailored solutions. We foster a supportive, inclusive, and non-judgmental environment where diversity is celebrated. Our team thrives on challenging, stimulating, and rewarding work, collaborating with diverse and talented individuals globally, creating a dynamic and enriching workplace for everyone. At GroundProbe, we embrace the Women in Technology values by encouraging innovation through diverse perspectives and making sure everyone’s voice is heard and valued. We support our community by promoting both professional and personal growth and making community involvement a key part of our identity. We encourage our staff to participate in community efforts that align with our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments, reflecting our belief in lifting each other up. Our dedication to fairness and respect shows our commitment to acting with integrity. We create a collaborative and inclusive environment where knowledge is shared freely. At GroundProbe, we are not just watching the future unfold; we are actively building it with meaningful actions, ensuring every employee has the opportunity to grow and make a difference.

Watch their inspiring video here!

GWI (Gemma Blucher)

GWI is a highly regarded management consultancy specialising in using data, information and technology to solve complex business problems. We are trusted by governments, businesses and communities to transform customer experiences, improve operations, and deliver real results. Our experience spans financial services, aged care, healthcare, education, transport, human services, not-for-profit and environmental agencies. We identify risks and roadblocks for successful operations and program delivery, and use a range of data processes and enabling technologies to make organisations more efficient and productive. Our advisory business is underpinned by rigorous internal quality management processes, including ISO 9001 and we lead with trust and integrity. We are fortunate to have a richly diverse workforce – and we are stronger for it. We support and encourage fully flexible working arrangements around hours and location and we are committed to uplifting our team’s skills through extensive training and development. GWI embodies gender diversity, and we employ team members from every part of the globe. GWI is proudly Great Place to Work® Certified™ and was awarded Women in Technology’s Employer of Choice Award in 2022. We are deeply committed to our community, and contribute to a number of important causes chosen by our team, namely DFVP and Autism Awareness. We are carbon neutral and fund climate restoration programs across the globe. We have been a loyal supporter of the TGMF which supports the next generation of female STEM leaders, and we have sponsored 10 scholarships at CQUniversity.

Watch their inspiring video here!

Flight Centre Travel Group - Leisure Product Management & Engineering Division (Denise Sweeney & Kiara Bergan)

FCTG is headquartered in Brisbane (Australia) and has company-owned leisure and corporate travel business in 24 countries, spanning Australia, New Zealand, the Americas, Europe, the United Kingdom, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and Asia. The Leisure Product Management & Engineering Division (Leisure PM&E) is responsible for driving the technical evolution of a portfolio of global travel brands powered by a digital ecosystem, generating profitable customer growth and loyalty. Our Global Leisure Tech Ecosystem focuses on five key domains: – Channels: our channels (incl. App, Online, Chat, Phone, Email and Store) view every customer interaction as an opportunity, enhancing efficiency and ensuring consistency across all touchpoints. – Customer: We create memorable experiences for our customers, offering personalized solutions that are easy to use and connect exceptional consultant and advisor service. – Consultant/ Advisor: We empower FCTG agents with intuitive, efficient systems for seamless booking and exceptional service while improving productivity, profitability and well-being through streamlined processes, automation and customer insights. – Product: We support a modernized product services platform, embracing composable commerce based on lightweight shopping services that support tomorrows growing list of modern customer channels. – Loyalty & Data: We support customer loyalty to our brands through a mature data capability, backed by machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities to increase engaged customer growth and profit per customer. Our mission is to inspire, empower and differentiate through technology.