Her Voice in Science: International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Join us in The Atrium as we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science with a panel of extraordinary STEM leaders.

Presented by UQ and Inspiring Australia Queensland, ‘Her Voice in Science’ will explore how representation and equity create new worlds of opportunity for women and girls in STEM.

Featuring Queensland Chief Scientist and UQ alum Professor Kerrie Wilson (Bachelor of Applied Science 1999), our panel of research, education and industry leaders will share insights into their own career pathways and the future of STEM.

Event details

Date: Wednesday 11 February 2026
Time: 2:15 for 2:45–4:45pm
Venue: The Atrium, UQ Brisbane City, 308 Queen Street, Brisbane
Cost: $22 (includes tea or coffee and afternoon tea)

Professor Kerrie Wilson
Queensland Chief Scientist
Bachelor of Applied Science 1999
Professor Kerrie Wilson is the Queensland Chief Scientist and one of Australia’s leading researchers in conservation science, strategy and policy. Her career spans senior roles in Australian and international universities and not-for-profit organisations. She has received numerous accolades, including the Prime Minister's Prize for Life Scientist of the Year and the Eureka Prize for Outstanding Young Researcher.

Dr Gillian Brown
Director of the Queensland Herbarium and Biodiversity Science
Dr Gillian Brown is the 9th Director of the Queensland Herbarium and the first woman to hold the role since its founding in 1859. She has over 25 years of experience in the field of plant systematics, biodiversity and herbarium management, now leading a multidisciplinary team of over 60 scientists, technical officers and support staff to deliver species and ecosystem science to support decision making in Queensland.

Val Ridley
Chief Executive Officer, UNIQ YouVal
Ridley began her career in science before moving into STEM education and has spent over 2 decades championing gender equality in STEM. She is passionate about breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and creating pathways for girls and women to thrive in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Karen Taylor-Brown
Chief Executive Officer, Careers with STEM/Refraction Media
Karen Taylor-Brown co-founded Refraction Media to inspire future-ready careers through STEM. She leads Careers with STEM, a platform reaching 750,000 students annually and partnering with over 200 organisations, including Google and 22 universities.

Amy Salugta
Electrical Engineer, Powerlink
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours); Bachelor of Economics 2025
Amy Salugta is a professional Aboriginal woman whose passion for STEM was sparked when attending InspireU camps during high school. Today, she is applying her skills and knowledge at Powerlink Queensland, contributing to the delivery of safe, reliable and sustainable energy solutions.