The Queensland Women in STEM Prize recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact to Queensland across three prizes.

In 2026, prizes will be awarded across three categories:

• First Nations STEM Award - open to emerging leaders in STEM who identify as a woman and have been working in their field for no more than 10 years in total, and:
  • are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage;
  • identify as an Aboriginal and /or Torres Strait Islander person; and
  • are accepted as such by the communities in which live or have lived.
• Breaking Barriers Award - open to emerging leaders in STEM whoidentify as a woman and have been working in their field for no more than 10 years in total, and:
  • are an individual who has settled in Queensland as a refugee (as defined under the Migration Act 1958(external link)); and/or
  • have a disability (as defined under the Disability Services Act 2006); and/or
  • are a carer (as defined under the Carers (Recognition) Act 2008).
• Judges' Award - open to emerging leaders in STEM who identify as a woman and have been working in their field for no more than 10 years in total.

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.

• Phone: 07 3153 7814
• Email: qwisp@qm.qld.gov.au