Finalists announced for 28th Annual Women in Technology (WiT) Awards

Women in Technology (WiT), one of Australia's most respected and active technology industry associations, announced the finalists for the 28th annual WiT Awards, celebrating the outstanding achievements of women across Queensland's STEM sectors.

The WiT Awards are among Australia's largest and longest-running programs dedicated to recognising women's contributions to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). 

This year's finalists represent a diverse lineup of changemakers, leaders and innovators across multiple disciplines and industries:

1.      2025 First Nations Change Maker Award - Finalist

·         Rennae Hopkins

2.      2025 Emerging Science Star Award - Finalists

·         Alise Fox

·         Dr Lily Bentley

·         Dr Scarlett Raine

·         Dr Rossana Ruggeri

3.      2025 Raising the Regions Award - Finalists

·         Sarah Chapman

·         Professor Rowena Barrett

·         Julia Spicer - The Connection Table

·         Professor Claire Jackson AM

4.      2025 Public Sector Excellence Award - Finalists

·         Anjuna Singh

·         Sparked Leadership Team - CSIRO

·         QCase Project and Transition Teams

5.      2025 Lifting Communities Award - Finalists

·         SPARQ-ed Students Performing Advanced Research QLD

·         Dr Catherine Franklin

·         Dr Maryam Haghighat

·         Sarah Chapman

6.      2025 Future Focused Business Achiever Award - Finalists

·         Stacey Telford

·         Clarissa Yates - Ketim Technologies

·         Dr Laura Navone

·         Griffith University's Clinical Trial Unit

7.      2025 Excellence in Research Award - Finalists

·         Dr Janin Chandra

·         Dr Jacqui McGovern

·         Dr Aida Branković

·         Professor Christine Anne Beveridge

8.      2025 Excellence in Industry Leadership Award - Finalists

·         Neha Mehta

·         Dr Lalehvash Moghaddam

·         Stacey Telford

9.      2025 Employer of Change Award - Finalists

·         bdna

·         GHD 

10. 2025 Emerging Tech Star Award - Finalists

·         Dr Aida Branković

·         Dr Scarlett Raine

·         Dr Dimity Miller

WiT Chair Iyari Cevallos said the calibre of nominations for the 2025 program highlights the extraordinary talent and impact of women across Queensland's STEM landscape.

"This year's theme, 'Stronger Together,' reflects the power of collaboration, unity and shared purpose. When women support each other, we don't just lift individuals — we strengthen entire industries and communities," said Ms Cevallos.

"This year's finalists are leading groundbreaking research, driving innovation in regional communities, and delivering transformative public sector and industry projects. Their work is changing industries and creating lasting impact for the people of Queensland and beyond."

The 2025 WiT Awards attracted more than 270 nominations across 10 categories, showcasing the diversity of women leading advancements in biomedical research, technology, environmental science, health tech and more.

The 2025 WiT Awards, with thanks to major sponsors QUT, Powerlink, Auto & General Australia, Translational Research Institute Australia (TRI), the University of Queensland (UQ) and Australian Indigenous AI, put a spotlight on the incredible impact women are making across the entire STEM spectrum — Biomedical research and advancement, technology development to support health and cutting-edge research solutions for agricultural industries. As well as groundbreaking advancements in medicine, environmental science and aero science.

Despite digital technology being one of the fastest-growing sectors in Australia, women currently make up only 29% of the STEM-skilled workforce. They continue to earn less than their male counterparts and occupy fewer senior roles.

The goal of WiT and the WiT Awards is to advance support for women entering the STEM sector and to help them ascend to more senior roles.

The 2025 WiT Award winners will be announced at the WiT Gala Awards Dinner at Brisbane's Royal International Convention Centre on Friday, 29 August 2025.

About Women in Technology (WiT)

Women in Technology (WiT) is one of Australia's most respected and active technology industry associations. For 29 years, WiT has been unlocking the potential of women across all fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through advocacy, networking, professional development, mentoring and collaboration opportunities in a supportive and inclusive environment. 

WiT inspires and supports women to achieve their career aspirations, empowering its growing community to harness their talent, diverse perspectives, and capacity in Australia's emerging digital economy and thriving STEM sectors. With 12,500 members and affiliates, and a network of more than 73,000 supporters, WiT is one of the largest communities of its kind in Australia.

For more information, visit: www.wit.org.au