Katherine Bennell-Pegg continues to make historical past, named 2026 Australian of the Year after turning into the primary particular person to qualify as an astronaut below Australia’s area program.
Ms Bennell-Pegg has made it her mission to encourage others, talking at Science and Technology Australia’s (STA) premier occasion Science Meets Parliament in 2025. And, as a Superstar of STEM Mentor. This is along with her deep engagement inspiring faculty college students throughout Australia.
“STA congratulates Katherine Bennell-Pegg. She is someone who leads with action and shows what’s possible when pursuing a career in STEM. Katherine has been generous in her support of STA, and we are sure she will use this opportunity to continue to have impact,” stated STA CEO Ryan Winn.
Science was additionally recognised in Senior Australian of the Year, Professor Henry Brodaty AO. He has devoted his life to remodeling the prognosis, care and prevention of dementia.
STEM professionals recognised within the Australia Day Honours embrace the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, and former CEO of Science and Technology Australia, Kylie Walker AM. Ms Walker obtained a Member of the Order of Australia for vital service to scientific communication and advocacy.
Professor Anne Kelso AC and Dr Judy Tang OAM are each mentors of STA’s Superstars of STEM program, which has supplied coaching and alternatives for 270 ladies and non-binary folks. Professor Kelso obtained the very best honour – a Companion of the Order of Australia for eminent service to well being and medical analysis sciences and administration, to Australian influenza preparedness, and to gender fairness. Dr Tang obtained the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to psychological well being, to cultural variety, to equality, and to ageing.
Awards additionally went to quantum physicist Professor Michelle Simmons AC and geneticist Dr Michael Buckley AO. Two leaders at Swinburne University of Technology had been recognised, with Vice-Chancellor and President of Professor Pascale Quester AO and Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Chief of Defence Innovation Distinguished Professor Saeid Nahavandi AO.
Congratulations additionally to geotechnical scientist Professor Mark Cassidy AM, ecologist Professor Shaun Collin AM and science journalist Zoe Kean OAM.
“The benefits of science to Australian society are featured right across the Australia Day Honours and Awards in 2026. Congratulations to each and every one of the recipients,” stated STA CEO Ryan Winn.
“To the STEM professionals who have featured so prominently in this year’s awards and honours, thank you for your service. Your example is an inspiration to us all.”
“I encourage friends and colleagues across the STEM sector to use this inspiration to nominate someone who deserves to receive an Australian Honour and Award. The process is very simple and always open, and it’s important that others get the opportunity to share their example with the nation.”