Key points
- CSIRO’s Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy has been recognised with the 2026 National NAIDOC Innovation Award.
- The STEM Academy was acknowledged for demonstrating how Indigenous-led solutions can deliver meaningful outcomes for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young women.
- Its approach is strengthening representation, fostering leadership and ensuring Indigenous young women have a place in STEM.
The Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy (STEM Academy) has been recognised on the national stage, winning the 2026 National NAIDOC Innovation Award.
The award was announced at the 2026 National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) on Arrernte Country on Saturday night, recognising the STEM Academy's innovative and culturally grounded approach to supporting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The National NAIDOC Awards honour individuals and groups who inspire, lead, and create positive change in their communities and beyond.
The National NAIDOC Committee considered hundreds of nominations before selecting finalists.
“The 2026 finalists represent the very best of our communities, strong, proud and continuing a legacy that spans more than five decades of NAIDOC,” said National NAIDOC Committee Co-Chair, Steven Satour.
The recognition of this award reflects the collective efforts of current and former team members, partners, mentors, Elders, supporters and the many young women who have shaped the STEM Academy's journey since its inception in 2019.
Kim Dyball the Executive Manager of CSIRO’s Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy acknowledged the extraordinary people who make the STEM Academy what it is, especially the young women.
“You are at the heart of everything we do. Your curiosity, courage, ambition and determination inspire us every day,” Kim shared.
The STEM Academy was established to create culturally safe pathways into STEM for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young women. Grounded in Indigenous Knowledges, cultural authority and leadership, the STEM Academy places identity, culture and aspiration at the centre.
“Every time you step into a lab, study engineering or mathematics, conduct research, design something new or pursue a dream that once seemed impossible, you are not only changing your own future — you are showing the next generation what is possible,” Kim explained.
Through mentoring, leadership development, youth-led governance and national networking opportunities, the STEM Academy supports young women to pursue their goals while building confidence, skills and connections. The young women are empowered to become researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, decision-makers and leaders across STEM fields.
Over time, the STEM Academy has grown beyond an education program to become a nationally significant Indigenous-led model for STEM participation, workforce development and talent infrastructure pipeline creation. Through partnerships in education, research and industry, it is helping increase Indigenous women's representation in STEM while strengthening leadership pathways and creating new opportunities for future generations.
“We accept this award with deep gratitude, but also responsibility to keep creating opportunities, challenging the systems, and reminding every young Indigenous woman to keep dreaming big, you are amazing, and you belong in STEM, and we are all here to proudly walk beside you,” Kim shared.
The STEM Academy shows how culturally safe, community-driven approaches can create pathways that celebrate Indigenous identity and help shape STEM.
The STEM Academy's impact extends beyond individual participants.
Its sustained pipeline approach is strengthening representation, fostering leadership, creating systems change and ensuring Indigenous young women have a place in STEM.
This national recognition celebrates not only the success of the STEM Academy, but also the vision, commitment and collaboration of the many people who have contributed to its growth and impact over the years.
The Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy is led by CSIRO, supported by NIAA and CareerTrackers.