My name is Stefania Barsanti, and I am an astrophysicist specializing in galaxy evolution. My research focuses on how the large-scale structures of our Universe and local environments shape galaxy properties, leveraging optical photometry, spectroscopy, and spatially resolved spectroscopic data. My most significant discovery (so far!) is the detection of preferential spin directions for galaxies in cosmic filaments, dependent on the stellar mass in their central regions, revealing distinct galaxy formation pathways. I am the Principal Investigator of the MAGPI galaxy redshift survey, a founder of the Hector galaxy survey, and a member of the 4HS galaxy survey, holding multiple leadership roles within these collaborations. Since November 2024, I have been a Messel Research Fellow at the University of Sydney, working at the Sydney Institute for Astronomy. Previously, I was an ASTRO 3D Postdoctoral Fellow at the Australian National University. I was awarded my PhD from Macquarie University in June 2021. Before moving to Australia, I studied astronomy and cosmology at the University of Trieste and physics at the University of Pisa in Italy.

My name is Huyen Pham, and I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Physics from Vietnam National University, Hanoi, in 2013. I then pursued a master’s degree in Materials Science at the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, graduating in 2017. In 2022, I was awarded a Ph.D. in Physics from the Australian National University. Since then, I have been working as a research fellow at the School of Physics & Astronomy, Monash University. With a strong background in microscopic characterization of various materials, particularly energy materials, I am currently engaged in two parallel research projects: one focused on understanding the microstructure of organic-inorganic perovskite materials through low-dose electron microscopy techniques, and another on investigating the local atomic order in the shear bands of metallic glasses using scanning electron nano-diffraction.

My name is Grace Andrew, and I am from Whyalla, South Australia. Since reception, I have studied at Samaritan College. I began my schooling at the junior campus, St. Teresa’s, and completed it at the senior campus, Saint John’s. In Year 12, I studied Physics, Psychology, Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics, and Activating Identities and Futures (AIF). Over the next five years, I will be studying for a Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical) (Honours)/Master of Engineering (Biomedical) at Flinders University. After completing this degree, I hope to use my knowledge and understanding of technology and engineering design to develop equipment that makes people’s lives easier and improves the quality of healthcare. In particular, I am interested in developing technologies that aid in medical treatment and rehabilitation. I am passionate about applying innovative solutions to real-world problems, and I hope to contribute to advancements in biomedical engineering that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

My name is Grace Barbary, and I am from Forbes, NSW, but I grew up in Tottenham, NSW. I completed Year 12 at Forbes High School, though a number of my classes were online due to a small cohort. The subjects I studied include Chemistry, Korean Continuers, Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Extension 1, English Advanced, English Extension 1, and English Extension 2. I am currently set to commence my studies at UTS with a Bachelor of Forensic Science, and I later hope to pursue a language degree, as I have a strong passion for both STEM and languages. Upon graduating from my tertiary studies, I hope to pursue a career as a Forensic Scientist or Toxicologist, with the goal of integrating my language skills to translate and travel, using my skills both domestically and internationally.

My name is Georgina Millard, and I am a 2024 Year 12 graduate from Port Lincoln High School in Port Lincoln, South Australia. During my final year, I studied Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, and Mathematical Methods, continuing the subjects I took in Year 11. After graduating, I was offered a position in the Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences (Advanced) at the University of Adelaide, where I intend to major in Clinical Trials. The knowledge I gain from my studies will allow me to pursue further studies in a graduate-entry Doctor of Medicine degree.

My name is Miao Zeng, but everyone calls me Dooriya. I grew up in the remote community of Alice Springs, and receiving this award was a shock, and I am extremely grateful. In Year 12, I had the privilege of studying Math Methods, English Lit, Legal Studies, Physics, and Chemistry while still participating in plenty of music, sports, and leadership activities. This year, I will be undertaking a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne, followed by a Master of (Mechanical) Engineering. Hopefully, in a few years, I will be a fully qualified engineer, either designing, managing, or building something great. However, I am still super excited to see where the wind may take me in my future endeavors—though hopefully remaining in the channel of engineering and science!