11 November 2026

Felix Ellis, Minister for Innovation, Science, and the Digital Economy

The extraordinary breadth of talent across the Tasmanian STEM community has been celebrated at tonight's 2026 Tasmanian STEM Excellence Awards in Hobart.

Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy, Felix Ellis, said that the awards were an opportunity to recognise the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics to our State's future.

“From using artificial intelligence to detect neurodegenerative diseases earlier, to research that addresses the challenge of food production in more frequent and severe climate extremes, this year’s 14 finalists and six winners are a great example of just what is being achieved in STEM in Tasmania each and every day," Minister Ellis said.

“At a time when economies around the world are being reshaped by rapid technological change, Tasmania's future prosperity will depend on our ability to harness the full potential of our science, research and innovation capabilities.

"From researchers developing new technologies to tradies and technicians bringing them to life, our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future is investing in the skills that will drive productivity, grow our economy and create opportunities for Tasmanians.

"Whether it's supporting the University of Tasmania's plans for a state-of-the-art STEM facility at Sandy Bay or investing in TasTAFE's Clean Energy Centre in Burnie, our Government is building an even better Tasmania by creating the conditions for the next generation of Tasmanian innovators, researchers, engineers and tradespeople."

The Tasmanian STEM Excellence Awards are hosted by the University of Tasmania and delivered in partnership with the Tasmanian Government as a part of the Inspiring Australia Tasmania program.

Award winners were:

  • Professor Jane Alty (Premier's Tasmanian STEM Researcher of the Year)
  • Dr Ke Liu (Tasmanian STEM Early Career Researcher of the Year)
  • Aspecthera Pty Ltd (The Minister’s STEM Innovation of the Year)
  • Dr Lisa Harvey-Smith (The Tasmanian STEM Communicator of the Year)
  • Lisa Johnston (STEM Primary Teacher of the Year)
  • Erica Noble (STEM Secondary Teacher of the Year)