Katherine Bennell-Pegg continues to make history, named 2026 Australian of the Year after becoming the first person to qualify as an astronaut under Australia’s space program.
Ms Bennell-Pegg has made it her mission to inspire others, speaking at Science and Technology Australia’s (STA) premier event Science Meets Parliament in 2025. And, as a Superstar of STEM Mentor. This is in addition to her deep engagement inspiring school students across 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,” said STA CEO Ryan Winn.
Science was also recognised in Senior Australian of the Year, Professor Henry Brodaty AO. He has dedicated his life to transforming the diagnosis, care and prevention of dementia.
STEM professionals recognised in the Australia Day Honours include 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 received a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to scientific communication and advocacy.
Professor Anne Kelso AC and Dr Judy Tang OAM are both mentors of STA’s Superstars of STEM program, which has provided training and opportunities for 270 women and non-binary people. Professor Kelso received the highest honour – a Companion of the Order of Australia for eminent service to health and medical research sciences and administration, to Australian influenza preparedness, and to gender equity. Dr Tang received the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to mental health, to cultural diversity, to equality, and to ageing.
Awards also went to quantum physicist Professor Michelle Simmons AC and geneticist Dr Michael Buckley AO. Two leaders at Swinburne University of Technology were 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 also 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,” said 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.”
Media contact: Paul Richards – media@sta.org.au or 0412 145 905
