loading . . . Women to watch: The leaders driving science innovation in Australia Australia needs more women not just studying STEM, but shaping its future across research and innovation.
And we need to see these women in action!
So to mark International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11), we’re elevating and celebrating some of the country’s most inspiring women in science.
From neuroscience and cancer research, to marine ecology, renewable energy, and materials innovation, these trailblazers are driving breakthroughs, mentoring the next generation, and showing what’s possible when women’s talent and determination are supported.
**_Women’s Agenda provides independent journalism published by the 100% women owned and run Agenda Media. Subscribe to our daily newsletter,here._**
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## Jerusha Mather
Jerusha Mather is a researcher in rehabilitation medicine and neuroscience, focusing on non-invasive brain stimulation, strength training, and neural plasticity to improve the lives of individuals with cerebral palsy. As a passionate disability advocate and mentor for STEM students, she leverages her expertise and personal experience to drive meaningful change in both science and accessibility.
## Professor Madhu Bhaskaran
Distinguished Professor Madhu Bhaskaran FTSE is a trailblazing electronics engineer whose pioneering research in electronic skin and wearable sensors has driven innovation in healthcare and aged care. As a leader at RMIT University and across multiple national research initiatives, she champions diversity in STEM while translating fundamental science into impactful, real-world technologies.
## Dr Gretta Pecl
Professor Gretta Pecl is a leading marine ecologist and Director of the Centre for Marine Socioecology, internationally recognised for her research on climate-driven changes to species distributions. A key contributor to the IPCC AR6 report and numerous global initiatives, she combines rigorous science with public engagement to guide conservation, fisheries, and climate adaptation strategies.
## Dr Danie Nilsson
Dr Danie Nilsson is a behavioural scientist at the forefront of applying social psychology to sustainability, leading research that uses storytelling and mass-media to drive measurable environmental impact. Through her work at CSIRO, she bridges science and practice to accelerate energy-efficient housing, biodiversity protection, and large-scale behaviour change for a sustainable future.
## Dr Maria Kavallaris
Professor Maria Kavallaris is an internationally renowned cancer researcher and nanomedicine innovator, leading the Translational Cancer Nanomedicine group at Children’s Cancer Institute and founding the Australian Centre for NanoMedicine. Her work on overcoming drug resistance, developing precision therapies, and using nanotechnology to deliver safer treatments for children has earned her national and international recognition, including a Member of the Order of Australia and NSW Premier’s Woman of the Year.
## Dr Morley Muse
Dr Morley Muse is a pioneering engineer and co-founder of iSTEM Co. and DEIR.AI, advancing renewable energy technologies while championing gender equity and diversity in STEM. Through leadership roles, mentorship, and award-winning initiatives, she drives systemic change, empowering women and underrepresented groups across science, technology, and innovation.
## Dr Chamindie Punyadeera
Associate Professor Chamindie Punyadeera is a clinical chemist and leader in cancer biology and biomarker discovery, specialising in non-invasive diagnostics for head and neck cancers, metabolic diseases, and reproductive health. She leads a research team at Queensland University of Technology developing cutting-edge technologies to improve human health, with a record of over 50 publications, 13 patents, and international collaborations.
## Dr Katrina Wruck
Dr Katrina Wruck, a proud Mabuigilaig and Goemulgal woman, is a materials scientist and industrial chemist pioneering sustainable solutions for water and environmental remediation, including tackling persistent “forever chemicals” like PFAS. Recognised as 2025 Young Australian of the Year, she combines cutting-edge research with advocacy for First Nations knowledge and community engagement, inspiring the next generation of Indigenous scientists while earning national and international recognition for her work.
## Dr Jessica Buck
Dr Jessica Buck, a proud Kamilaroi woman, is an emerging leader in childhood cancer research, focusing on brain cancer and improving outcomes for First Nations children through culturally safe, community-led programs. As Team Leader of the First Nations Childhood Cancer Program at The Kids Research Institute Australia, she combines preclinical research with mentorship and advocacy, securing competitive funding and shaping treatments that are safer, more effective, and responsive to community needs.
## Dr Marguerite Evans-Galea
Dr Marguerite Evans-Galea AM is a scientist, executive leader, and advocate with over 25 years’ experience advancing gene and cell therapy research and driving Australia’s regenerative medicine sector. As Deputy Director at the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, she combines scientific expertise with strategic leadership and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion, co-founding Women in STEMM Australia and shaping national STEM and workforce initiatives.
## Dr Ana Baburamani
Dr Ana Baburamani is a biomedical researcher and Scientific Advisor at Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group, with expertise in early brain development and global health. An advocate for women in STEM, she is committed to making science accessible and diverse through public outreach, education, and mentorship.
## Nasim Amiralian
Associate Professor Nasim Amiralian is a researcher in bio-inspired nanocellulose materials at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, developing sustainable solutions from biodegradable packaging to bioelectronics. She is also a dedicated mentor and advocate for women in science, fostering collaboration, industry partnerships, and Indigenous engagement to drive global impact in materials innovation.
## Deanna D’Alessandro
Professor Deanna D’Alessandro is a chemist and academic leader driving large-scale, multidisciplinary research at the University of Sydney’s Net Zero Institute, advancing materials science and zero-emissions technologies. She fosters collaboration across academia, industry, and government to develop scalable solutions for climate change while mentoring the next generation of scientists and engineers.
## Veena Sahajwalla
ARC Laureate Professor Veena Sahajwalla is an internationally recognised materials scientist, engineer, and inventor pioneering green materials and recycling technologies, including the world’s first e-waste and plastics microfactories. As founding Director of UNSW’s Centre for Sustainable Materials Research and Technology and leader of the ARC Industrial Transformation Hub for green manufacturing, she translates cutting-edge recycling science into environmental and economic impact while shaping Australia’s circular economy.
## Anita Ho-Baillie
Professor Anita Ho-Baillie is a leading nanoscientist and John Hooke Chair at the University of Sydney, internationally recognised for pioneering next-generation solar energy materials and devices. A highly cited researcher and multiple award-winner, including the NSW Premier’s Prize for Science & Engineering and the Australian Museum Eureka Prize, she advances sustainable energy solutions while shaping the future of nanoscience in Australia.
## Catriona Vi Nguyễn-Robertson
Dr Catriona Nguyễn-Robertson is an immunologist and science communicator dedicated to making research accessible and engaging, serving as Senior Tutor in Science Communication at the next generation of scientists. As Executive Officer of the Inspiring Victoria Partnership Board and Chair of the Victorian National Science Week Coordinating Committee, she leads national outreach initiatives while sharing her love of science, sometimes through singing and dancing, across Australia and beyond.
## Maithili Sashindranath
Maithili Sashindranath is a senior translational biology and drug development leader, heading preclinical development and engagement at Ternarx, a WEHI spin-out company advancing first-in-class therapeutics. With over 16 years of experience bridging academia and industry, she leads programs from discovery to early clinical development, integrating biomarker strategies, preclinical validation, and clinical trial design to de-risk pipelines and drive therapeutic innovation.
## Professor Renate Egan
Professor Renate Egan is Executive Director of the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics and Deputy Head of School at UNSW, leading research and engagement in solar PV and renewable energy engineering. An innovator, entrepreneur, and former industry executive, she drives technology development, manufacturing innovation, and the adoption of solar solutions to accelerate Australia’s energy transition.
## Dr Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick
Dr Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick is a Professor of Climate Science at ANU, specialising in climate extremes, heatwaves, and extreme event attribution to understand past, present, and future impacts. As Deputy Director of Communications and Outreach at the ARC Centre of Excellence for 21st Century Weather, she combines pioneering research with public engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and science communication to inform policy and communities on climate risk.
## Dr Alison Todd
Dr Alison Todd is co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of SpeeDx Pty Ltd, an Australian molecular diagnostics company producing globally distributed IVD tests for cancer and infectious diseases. A serial inventor with over 200 patents, she has pioneered diagnostic tools that tailor and monitor therapy, earning national recognition including the 2022 Prime Minister’s Prize for Innovation.
**Check out some more women industry leaders ineducation and the AI-sector.**
**_Women’s Agenda provides independent journalism published by the 100% women owned and run Agenda Media. Subscribe to our daily newsletter,here._**
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by Brianna Boecker
3 hours ago
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