On Monday, 6 October 2025, the STEM community gathered at the Arts Centre Melbourne for the Women of Colour in STEM Awards ceremony.
On Monday, 6 October 2025, the STEM community gathered at the Arts Centre Melbourne for the Women of Colour in STEM Awards ceremony. An initiative of the not-for-profit organisation STEM Sisters, the event brought together academics, researchers, industry leaders and community members to celebrate outstanding contributions across more than a dozen award categories, highlighting both technical excellence and leadership that drives meaningful change.
UNSW Engineering was proud to sponsor the PhD Scholar Award, which honours outstanding doctoral researchers who have demonstrated academic distinction and the potential for lasting impact within their STEM disciplines. This sponsorship reflects UNSW Engineering’s ongoing commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and to strengthening diverse talent pipelines across higher education and research.
Representing UNSW Engineering at the Melbourne ceremony, Rita Henderson, Deputy Dean (Societal Impact & Translation), presented the PhD Scholar Award to Dilendra Wijesekara, PhD Candidate at Deakin University’s Institute for Frontier Materials, in recognition of her outstanding doctoral research and contributions to STEM.
“It was a privilege for UNSW Engineering to be part of this moment, celebrating excellence not only within UNSW, but across Australia’s wider research community,” said Prof Henderson.
“Ensuring that women of colour are visible, supported, and celebrated at all career stages is central to the Faculty’s vision for a more inclusive STEM future.”
UNSW was also proud to have a finalist in the Rising Star category, which celebrates young academic women of colour who show exceptional promise through research and scholarly activities. Shujie Zhou is a postdoctoral research associate in the School of Chemical Engineering whose research focuses on renewable energy and green chemical production, particularly solar-driven photoelectrochemical systems for sustainable hydrogen, ammonia, and chemical synthesis. Shujie is also a demonstrated leader, having mentored many young students. She says she felt deeply honoured and genuinely grateful to be nominated for the Rising Star Award.
“This recognition, especially as an early career researcher, is incredibly meaningful as it affirms not only my individual efforts but also the support and mentorship from my mentors and research group that have made this journey possible.”
“This is a particularly rewarding moment for me, having progressed from an international HDR student to an early career researcher. This award provides visibility and builds confidence, reminding us that our contributions matter and that diverse voices and leaderships are essential to a thriving academic community.”
The Women of Colour in STEM Awards are a powerful national celebration of excellence, equity, and innovation across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Established to address the persistent under‑representation and systemic barriers faced by women of colour in STEM, the awards recognise trailblazers, mentors, allies and emerging leaders whose work is shaping the future of research, education and industry in Australia.
More than an awards night, the Women of Colour in STEM Awards also create a platform for visibility, recognition and connection. By amplifying diverse voices and lived experiences, the awards help to inspire future generations to pursue and thrive in STEM careers, while fostering a community that values inclusion as a driver of innovation. The awards also highlight the importance of collaboration between universities, industry partners, and community‑led organisations in driving systemic change. Through sponsorship and active participation, institutions like UNSW can help elevate under‑represented voices, challenge structural inequities and contribute to a culture where talent and impact are recognised regardless of background.
“By celebrating achievements, fostering connection, and creating space for recognition and inspiration, the Women of Colour in STEM Awards continue to play a vital role in shaping a more equitable and innovative STEM sector,” said Prof Henderson.
“UNSW Engineering is proud to stand alongside STEM Sisters in supporting this important initiative and in championing the women whose research, leadership and innovation are helping to build a more inclusive future in STEM. My congratulations to Dr Ruwangi Fernando for her vision and ongoing tireless efforts that have made STEM Sisters such a success.”