QUT was honoured to welcome Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, to our Gardens Point campus on Monday 24 February.
Distinguished Professor Christopher Barner Kowollik, Associate Professor Paige Hilditch-Maguire and Dr Katrina Wruck met with Her Excellency, engaging in their shared commitment to fostering diversity in STEM and investing in research innovation.
Dr Wruck, a proud Mabuigilaig and Goemulgal woman, was recently named the 2025 Young Australian of the Year for her groundbreaking work in developing sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.
Her Excellency Ms Mostyn congratulated Dr Wruck on her achievement, noting the Office of the Governor General looks forward to following her future pursuits, and amplifying her work and achievements.
The Governor General also met with leading QUT Women in STEM, to learn more about the research landscape, their lived experience as women researchers, and the importance of investing in Australian innovation.
The QUT researchers are recognised leaders in their field, and have been acknowledged in the 2024 Women in Technology (WiT) Awards and 2024 Queensland Women in STEM awards.
QUT has demonstrated this dedication to Gender Equity and Diversity in STEMM with our Action Plan which details our commitment to achieving gender equity in STEMM fields.
"At QUT, we are pioneering breakthroughs that have real-world impact—from advanced materials to biomedical engineering—made possible by a community of researchers from all walks of life," Distinguished Professor Christopher Barner-Kowollik said.
"It was an honour to welcome the Governor-General onto campus, to discuss our research innovation and the diverse talent driving it forward,"
"Her Excellency's visit helps to reaffirm the vital role universities play in shaping Australia's future through connecting fundamental research outcomes with societal needs."
As a showcase of the innovative research being conducted at QUT, the Governor-General visited the International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health with Australian Laureate Fellow Distinguished Professor Lidia Morawska.
Sworn in as Australia's 28th Governor-General in July 2024, Ms Mostyn has been a businesswoman and community leader, widely recognised for her exceptional service to the Australian community.
With expertise across diverse fields, spanning gender inclusion, environmental sustainability, mental health, equality and social justice, she has contributed significantly across sectors through her roles on influential boards and committed advisory work.
QUT and the Governor General recognise a shared commitment to fostering a culture where diversity is not just welcomed but celebrated, ensuring that the next generation of scientists and community leaders —regardless of gender or background—have the opportunity to thrive.
Main image: (From left to right) Associate Professor Paige Hilditch-Maguire, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Dr Katrina Wruck and Distinguished Professor Christopher Barner Kowollik
