Queensland Women in STEM Prize, Queensland Museum, July 2026

The search is on for Queensland’s most inspiring women in STEM, with nominations now open for
the 2026 Queensland Women in STEM Prize (QWiSP).

Now celebrating its 11th year, the Queensland Women in STEM Prize recognises exceptional
women who are driving innovation, creating impact and inspiring future generations across science,
technology, engineering and mathematics.

Presented by Queensland Museum in partnership with the Queensland Government, the Prize
shines a spotlight on emerging STEM professionals whose work is helping solve some of the
world’s most pressing challenges, from environmental conservation and medical breakthroughs to
technological advancement and community impact.

Women and female students working across all STEM disciplines, including the social sciences, are
encouraged to apply. Eligible applicants must be within 10 years of commencing their STEM career.

Three award categories will share in a total prize pool of $30,000:

Award categories

The Judges’ Award, proudly supported by Energex – $10,000 (excl. GST)
Open to women working in STEM who have been working in their field for no more than 10
years.
First Nations STEM Award, proudly supported by AECOM – $10,000 (excl. GST)
Recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women emerging as leaders in STEM.
Breaking Barriers Award – $10,000 (excl. GST)
Celebrating women in STEM who have settled in Queensland as refugees, are living with
disability, or are carers.

Over the past decade, QWiSP recipients have showcased the breadth of Queensland’s STEM talent
and the powerful role women play in shaping a smarter, more sustainable future.

The initiative 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.

Applications close at 5pm on Tuesday 18 August 2026. Winners will be announced in November
2026.
For more information and to submit an entry, visit qwisp.qm.qld.gov.au.

Submissions open: Tuesday 21 July 2026
Submissions close: Tuesday 18 August 2026 (5pm AEST)
All entrants contacted and finalists announced: October 2026
Award ceremony and announcement of prize recipients: Wednesday 11 November 2026

More info and nominations: https://www.museum.qld.gov.au/about/queensland-women-in-stem-prize/#about

The 2026 Queensland Women in STEM Prize is presented by Queensland Museum and the Queensland Government through the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Innovation and Science, and the Office for Women.