Queensland women driving solutions for the future recognised in 2026 STEM Awards

12 November 2026

Three outstanding Queensland women whose work is improving lives, expanding knowledge and helping tackle some of society’s most complex challenges have been recognised in the 2026 Queensland Women in STEM Prize.

Presented by Queensland Museum in partnership with the Queensland Government, the awards celebrate women leading innovation across science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), while inspiring the next generation of researchers, innovators and problem-solvers.

The award winners were announced last night at the prize ceremony held at Queensland Museum Kurilpa. Each award carries a $10,000 prize, to support their own professional development while continuing to drive innovation in their field.

The 2026 winners are:

The Judges’ Award – proudly supported by Energex
Dr Loan Nguyen

Dr Nguyen is an agricultural genomics researcher and ARC Early Career Industry Fellow at The University of Queensland. Her work is helping transform cattle breeding in Queensland by making genetic testing faster and easier for producers.

Using a single hair sample, her technology has been able to reveal an animal’s genetic value, age and parentage. Dr Nguyen’s research is now being used to test hundreds of thousands of cattle each year, supporting better productivity, sustainability and on-farm decision-making across the beef industry.

First Nations STEM Award – proudly supported by AECOM
Jade Gould

Jade is a proud Butchulla and Woppaburra woman, CSIRO Research Fellow and emerging First Nations scientist. Through her PhD research at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Jade is combining palaeoecology with traditional ecological knowledge to deepen understanding of K’gari and support the role of Traditional Custodians in caring for Country. Her work is helping reshape how Australia approaches ecology, climate adaptation and land management, through a new framework that recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as active ecological curators of Country.

Breaking Barriers Award
Dr Kristen Clarke

Dr Clarke is a forensic scientist and research leader whose work is improving how forensic evidence is detected, analysed and used in criminal investigations across Queensland. As a Senior Research Officer with the Queensland Police Service, she leads applied research that turns scientific innovation into practical tools and training for investigators. Her work includes developing a safer, lower-cost fingerprint technique and strengthening the recovery of critical evidence to support better outcomes for victims and the justice system.

For more than a decade, the Queensland Women in STEM Prize has celebrated the achievements of women advancing science, technology, engineering and mathematics across Queensland.

Queensland Museum CEO Renai Grace said this year’s winners reflect the power of STEM to deepen understanding, spark curiosity and deliver real-world impact.

“Queensland Museum is proud to celebrate these extraordinary women, whose work is expanding knowledge and helping address some of the biggest challenges facing our communities,” Ms Grace said.

“As a place where science, culture and storytelling come together, Queensland Museum is honoured to share their achievements.”

Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek congratulated the three Women in STEM award recipients recognised for their groundbreaking research, and solutions to real-world challenges.

“In recognising these talented women, the awards inspire Queensland’s next generation of innovators and knowledge leaders to pursue a career in STEM,” Minister Langbroek said.

“The Crisafulli Government is proud to support Queensland Museum’s delivery of these awards which back Queensland’s creative workforce as a focus of our Queensland’s Time to Shine strategy.”

Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, and Multiculturalism Fiona Simpson said the awards recognise women who are breaking down barriers and highlight the significant contributions of women in STEM.

“These awards and their outstanding recipients are a powerful demonstration that women are bringing incredibly valued skills to these industries, and they are making great contributions to Queensland through scientific, agricultural and economic opportunities,” Minister Simpson said.

“It is also important to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in STEM, such as Jade Gould, and the knowledge and innovation they bring through the world’s oldest continuous living culture.”

Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell said the Queensland Women in STEM Prize celebrated the women leading breakthrough research, innovation, and discovery across Queensland.

“By recognising these achievements, we’re not only celebrating excellence but inspiring the next generation of Queenslanders to consider a career in STEM,” Minister Powell said.

“The Crisafulli Government is committed to growing our STEM talent and supporting ambitious ideas to move from discovery to real-world impact will help strengthen Queensland’s science and innovation future.”

Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilson said the winners demonstrate the depth of talent across Queensland’s STEM community.

“These women are making an extraordinary contribution in their fields, from research and innovation to mentoring and leadership,” Professor Wilson said.

“It is a privilege to recognise their achievements and to highlight the impact they are having across Queensland and beyond.”

For the full list of finalists and highly commended recipients, visit Queensland Women in STEM Prize.

The Queensland Women in STEM Prize is delivered by Queensland Museum in partnership 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.