Women in Technology announces Winners of the 28th Annual WiT Awards

Women in Technology (WiT), one of Australia's most respected and active technology industry associations, announced the winners of the 28th annual Women in Technology (WiT) Awards.

Queensland's brightest female leaders in science, technology, engineering and digital innovation were celebrated at a gala held at the Royal International Convention Centre in Brisbane on Friday 29 August to honour their remarkable achievements in STEM.

"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 Iyari Cevallos, WiT Chair.

"This year's winners 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 winners of the 2025 Women in Technology Awards are:

1.       First Nations Change Maker Award: Rennae Hopkins

2.       Emerging Science Star Award: Alise Fox

3.       Raising the Regions Award x2: Professor Rowena Barrett and Sarah Chapman

4.       Public Sector Excellence Award: QCase Project and Transition Teams

5.       Lifting Communities Award: Dr Catherine Franklin

6.       Future Focused Business Achiever Award: Clarissa Yates - Ketim Technologies

7.       Excellence in Research Award x2: Dr Jacqui McGovern and Professor Christine   Anne Beveridge

8.       Excellence in Industry Leadership Award: Dr Lalehvash Moghadda

9.       Employer of Change Award: GHD

10.    Emerging Tech Star Award: Dr Aida Branković

The 2025 Highly Commended recipients are:

·         Emerging Tech Star: Dr Scarlett Raine

·         Lifting Communities: SPARQ-ed Students Performing Advanced Research QLD

·         Raising the Regions: Julie Spicer - The Connection Table

The prestigious WiT Awards, based in Queensland, are among the largest and longest-running programs in Australia dedicated to recognising the achievements of women in STEM.

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.