First published 29 September 2026
Dr Jessica Korte was named Emerging Tech Star and Becki Cook was recognised as First Nations Change Maker. Their achievements led a strong QUT contingent of 11 finalists across seven categories.
Nunukul woman Ms Cook is undertaking a PhD at the QUT Centre for Data Science and was recently part of a wearable technology project with the Centre and QUT Sport which kitted out 30 teenagers competing at the 2025 Queensland Junior Murri Carnival.
Dr Korte, meanwhile, is a member of the Assistive Robotics for Inclusive Employment QUT project team awarded an ARC Linkage grant of $794,570 this year, with partners Endeavour Foundation and MacArthur Disability Services.
The awards celebrate Queensland’s brightest female leaders in science, technology, engineering and digital innovation, highlighting their remarkable achievements in STEM.
WiT Chair, Iyari Cevallos, said, “This year’s theme, ‘Inspiring Excellence,’ is about celebrating the ambition, talent and determination that drive women in STEM to achieve extraordinary things.
“Our 2026 winners are leading with courage, challenging the status quo, driving innovation and creating impact across Queensland and beyond.
“They are raising the bar in their fields while inspiring the next generation to see what is possible. Their achievements demonstrate the strength of Queensland’s STEM community and the vital contribution women make to its future.”
The WiT Awards also recognise the contribution of organisations supporting inclusive workplaces, empowering communities and advancing opportunities for women and girls across STEM.
The other QUT 2026 WiT finalists were:
About Women in Technology (WiT)
Women in Technology (WiT) is one of Australia’s most respected and active technology industry associations. For 29 years, WiT has been unlocking the potential of women across all fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through advocacy, networking, professional development, mentoring and collaboration opportunities in a supportive and inclusive environment.
WiT inspires and supports women to achieve their career aspirations, empowering its growing community to harness their talent, diverse perspectives, and capacity in Australia’s emerging digital economy and thriving STEM sectors. With 12,500 members and affiliates, and a network of more than 73,000 supporters, WiT is one of the largest communities of its kind in Australia.
For more information, visit: wit.org.au
Main image (left to right): Becki Cook and Dr Jessica Korte.
Media contact:
Amanda Weaver
QUT Media
media@qut.edu.au
07 3138 2361 / 0407 585 901 (After Hours)
