10 inspirational women and girls in science that you need to know about
When we think of scientists, names like Einstein or Newton often spring to mind.
For generations, science history has overlooked incredible achievements of women and read like a veritable sausage-fest, with men the stars of the show…
Meanwhile, many inventions our world relies on happened at the hands of brilliant women.
From space explorers to tech innovators, women have been shaping science for centuries – and we’re finally starting to celebrate their immense contribution.
Despite this, there’s still a significant gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. In Australia, women make up only 27% of the STEM workforce, and just 15% of STEM-qualified jobs are held by women.
In addition, girls’ confidence in STEM subjects is generally lower than boys’ and drops as they get older. When young girls flip through school textbooks, it’s so important they see scientists who look like them.
So here are 10 incredible women and girls in science, with a strong Aussie focus, who have made remarkable contributions.
1. Dr Fiona Wood (Australia)
The life-saving ‘spray-on skin’ inventor
Dr Fiona Wood is a plastic surgeon and medical researcher who revolutionised the treatment of burn victims. She developed spray-on skin, a technique that allows doctors to use a small sample of a patient’s own skin to grow new skin cells quickly.
This innovation has saved countless lives, especially after the 2002 Bali bombings, where her treatment helped many burn survivors recover faster.
Dr Wood’s work has changed how burns are treated globally, significantly reducing scarring and recovery time. Her innovation has been used in hospitals worldwide, proving how one breakthrough can transform medicine.
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2. Dr Cathy Foley (Australia)
Physics trailblazer and former Chief Scientist of Australia
Dr Cathy Foley is a renowned physicist who’s significantly contributed to making Australia’s mining industry more sustainable through superconducting electronics.
She had a long career at CSIRO, becoming the agency’s Chief Scientist in 2018, and has been the President of both the Australian Institute of Physics and Science and Technology Australia.
Between 2021 and 2024, she held the position of Chief Scientist of Australia, helping to shape the country’s science policies and research direction.
Her list of awards is too long to capture, but she was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia for service to research science and the advancement of women in physics.
3. Michelle Simmons (Australia)
The quantum computing superstar
Michelle Simmons is leading the charge in quantum computing—technology that could make computers thousands of times faster than today’s models.
She was named Australian of the Year in 2018 for her work in quantum physics and the development of silicon-based quantum processors.
Quantum computing has the potential to solve complex problems in medicine, climate change, and AI. Michelle’s pioneering research is shaping the future of it.
4. Macinley Butson (Australia)
Teen inventor changing cancer treatment
Most of us are so embarrassed by our 16-year-old selves that we don’t even remember what we got up to (hello mental block). But Macinly Butson marked her 16th year by creating a revolutionary shield that protects breast cancer patients from radiation exposure during treatment.
Her invention, the SMART Armour, lessens unnecessary radiation to surrounding healthy tissues.
Naturally, she won the 2018 NSW Young Australian of the Year and was the first ever Australian to come 1st place at the INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair (kind of like the Olympics for Science) in its 68-year history.
5. Dr Karlie Noon (Australia)
The first Indigenous Australian woman with degrees in maths and physics
Dr Karlie Noon is a Gamilaraay woman who became the first Indigenous Australian woman to earn degrees in both maths and physics.
She’s spoken openly about the wealth and cultural barriers in the education system as a child and not feeling ‘seen’ in it.
Noon now works in astronomy, investigating the sophisticated astronomic knowledge deeply embedded within Indigenous culture and how different science systems can work together to better understand our galaxies.
6. Dr Emma Johnston (Australia)
Champion of marine science and conservation
Dr. Emma Johnston is a marine biologist and a leading voice in ocean conservation and climate change research.
She has studied the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems and works to protect our oceans from pollution and climate change. As a professor and science communicator, even a former President of Science and Technology Australia, she also works to increase diversity in STEM.
7. Professor Veena Sahajwalla (Australia)
The recycling innovator
Professor Veena Sahajwalla is a materials scientist who developed Green Steel, a method of recycling old rubber and plastics into new steel, reducing waste and pollution.
She’s the founding director of the Centre for Sustainable Materials Research and Technology at the University of New South Wales and won the 2022 NSW Australian of the Year award.
Her work continues to focus on developing new recycling science into real-world environmental and economic benefits.
8. Dr. Katie Bouman (USA)
The scientist behind the first black hole image
In 2019, one image did what was thought to be impossible: it captured a black hole’s silhouette.
Dr Katie Bouman, an American computer scientist, played a critical role in in this moment. She developed an algorithm that helped piece together data from telescopes around the world, making it possible to visualise a black hole for the first time in history.
Her work has expanded our understanding of space, proving that collaboration between technology and science can help us see the unseen.
9. Katherine Bennell-Pegg (Australia)
Australia’s first ever Astronaut
Katherine Bennell-Pegg made history in 2024 by becoming the first Australian to officially qualify as an astronaut under the Australian flag.
She serves as the Director of Space Technology at the Australian Space Agency and has trained with NASA and the European Space Agency.
As Australia steps into space exploration, Katherine’s journey paves the way for future generations of astronauts and scientists.
10. Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn (Australia)
Nobel prize-winning biologist
Born in Tasmania, Dr Elizabeth Blackburn won the Nobel Prize in Medicine for her discovery of telomeres, which are protective tips at the ends of chromosomes that prevent them from deteriorating. She also found an enzyme called telomerase that can replenish these tips, extending the life of cells.
This is crucial for understanding aging and its implications for treating diseases like cancer.
She’s also received nearly every major award in science, including Lasker, Gruver and Gairdner prizes. Blackburn was also named to the TIME 100 in 2007.
Wrapping it up
The contributions of these incredible women in STEM go far beyond their individual achievements – they are shaping the future of medicine, technology, space, and sustainability.
Yet, women remain underrepresented in STEM careers, and many of their stories go untold. By celebrating their achievements, we hope to inspire more girls and young women to see themselves as future scientists, engineers, and innovators.
Especially now, in our scary post-truth era, the world needs to hear from more smart women – problem-solvers, pioneers, and fearless thinkers. And who knows, maybe the next name on this list could be yours… or your daughters?
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