The 2026 winners of the ATSE Awards are delivering world-leading innovations with practical benefits for Australia and the world.
Resilient Data Engineering Award
Associate Professor Renata Borovica-Gajic
Database systems trailblazer
Associate Professor Renata Borovica-Gajic is advancing the reliable, secure and adaptive data systems underpinning modern science, healthcare, government and industry. Her research into self-driving databases and automated data engineering helps transform complex datasets into actionable insights, while her work on secure AI integration supports the use of confidential information in highly regulated environments. Her research has contributed to patented technology and influenced commercial database technologies at Microsoft and Google.
Traditional Knowledge Innovation Award
The Wuyagiba Bush University team
Transformational on-Country educators
Dr Helen Rogers, Mr Godfrey Blitner, the late Dr K Rogers, Annette Daniels, Heather Ponto, Cynthia Turner, Dean Austin Bara, Regina Rogers, Renee Cawthorne, Andrea Jaggi, Dr Emilie Ens, Sam Ricketts, winners of the Traditional Knowledge Innovation Award
The team is transforming access to higher education for remote-living Aboriginal students through Australia's first Aboriginal-run, on-Country university campus. Now in its ninth year, Wuyagiba Bush University combines Traditional Knowledges, practices and languages of Arnhem Land with Western technologies and skills, enabling students to navigate both knowledge systems. More than 150 students have graduated from its four accredited university units, with 40 progressing to Bachelor degrees. Its Indigenous Science curriculum has also been adapted for teaching at Macquarie University, extending awareness of Indigenous STEM to thousands more students.
Clunies Ross Innovation Award
Professor Andre Luiten FTSE
Precision timing pioneer
Professor Andre Luiten is positioning Australia at the forefront of precision timing technology. As founder and CEO of QuantX Labs, he has translated more than three decades of research on cryogenic and atomic clocks into internationally recognised products for defence, communications, sensing and critical infrastructure. His innovations include ultra-precise timing technology developed for the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) upgrade and a compact atomic clock designed to address vulnerabilities associated with reliance on GPS timing signals.
Scientia Professor Justin Gooding FTSE FAA FAHMS, Professor Maria Kavallaris AM FAHMS and Dr Julio Ribeiro
3D bioprinting innovators
The team has developed a bespoke 3D bioprinter transforming cancer research and drug development. Combining patented technology with novel bio-inks and 3D cell culture assays, their innovation produces realistic cellular structures that can help researchers better understand cancer, improve drug development and personalise treatments. With units sold internationally, including to major pharmaceutical companies, the technology is delivering benefits across research and industry while offering the potential to reduce reliance on animal models.
From clean energy and advanced manufacturing to Indigenous-led education and the digital infrastructure underpinning our economy, these innovators are demonstrating the breadth and impact of Australia’s STEM capabilities.
Batterham Medal for Engineering Excellence
Associate Professor Emma Lovell
Solar fuels engineer
Associate Professor Lovell is advancing the conversion of greenhouse gases into clean fuels. Her pioneering work in photo-thermal catalysis uses engineered nanomaterials and sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into fuel building blocks at lower temperatures than conventional thermal processes, laying the groundwork for sustainable aviation fuels. With two patents arising from her work, Associate Professor Lovell is helping translate innovative catalyst designs into practical applications spanning clean energy, methane emissions abatement and environmental protection.
David and Valerie Solomon Award
Scientia Associate Professor Rahman Daiyan
Clean energy accelerator
Associate Professor Daiyan is accelerating the transition from clean energy research to industrial application. His open source technoeconomic modelling has informed government policy and investment in hydrogen and green metals, including Australia's hydrogen value chain with Germany and a regional hydrogen strategy covering 19 Pacific island countries. His innovations in electrochemical carbon dioxide and nitrogen conversion have also led to two commercial ventures, OzAmmonia and Gurung Fuel, developing scalable solutions for renewable ammonia and sustainable aviation fuel.
Ezio Rizzardo Polymer Scholarship
Tom Roads
Fighting superbugs with novel polymers
Tom Roads is developing new ways to tackle antimicrobial resistance. Through his PhD, he is combining polymer science, automation and artificial intelligence to identify and optimise new antibiotic polymers capable of killing multidrug-resistant bacteria. His research could accelerate antibiotic discovery and strengthen Australia's capabilities in advanced polymer science.
ATSE President's Medal
Dr Carrie Hillyard FTSE
Experienced Company Director
Dr Carrie Hillyard has been a highly active and engaged Fellow since her election 29 years ago. She has a distinguished record of service, leadership and advocacy that has spanned all facets of ATSE. Dr Hillyard has made significant contributions to ATSE’s governance and strategic direction, serving on the Council and Board along with numerous committees, groups, divisions and forums. Carrie is also an Elevate assessor, an IMNIS mentor, a regular event attendee, a contributor to ATSE reports and a successful proposer of numerous Fellowship nominations.
