Marie Krogh Prize extends Trans-Tasman reach in push for STEM equity in women

The Marie Krogh Young Women in Science Prize is returning in 2026 and expanding to New Zealand for the first time, following the success of its inaugural Australian program last year. The Prize continues its mission to champion early-to-mid career women in STEM across the region.

It is a critical time for Australia’s STEM and medical research sector. While women make up 52 % of the workforce, only one in four hold the most senior roles, highlighting a persistent gap in leadership representation. Limited visibility of senior female role models remains a key barrier to attracting and retaining women in STEM, reinforcing the need for greater recognition and support of emerging leaders in science and medicine.

Established by Novo Nordisk, the Marie Krogh Young Women in Science Prize recognises emerging researchers making significant contributions in science and medicine. The Prize includes a $50,000 cash award for one winner, alongside $5,000 for each of seven finalists.

Named in honour of Dr Marie Krogh (1874–1943), a pioneering Danish physician and co-founder of Novo Nordisk, the prize celebrates her legacy as one of the first women in Denmark to earn a doctorate in medicine. Dr Krogh played a key role in developing insulin treatment protocols, alongside her husband, Nobel Laureate August Krogh and together, were instrumental in helping to transform diabetes, a chronic condition she lived with, from a fatal diagnosis into a manageable condition.

“The Marie Krogh Prize reflects our continued commitment to recognising the vital contributions women are making across science and medicine, while helping ensure emerging talent has the visibility, support and opportunity to thrive. By celebrating these leaders and their achievements, we hope to inspire the next generation of women considering a career in STEM,” said Dr Ana Svensson, Senior Medical Director, Novo Nordisk Oceania, who returns this year as Chair of the judging panel.

The inaugural 2025 Marie Krogh Young Women in Science Prize was awarded to Associate Professor Ines Pires da Silva, Medical Oncologist at the Melanoma Institute Australia, in recognition of her contribution to advancing melanoma research and care.

Applications for the 2026 Marie Krogh Young Women in Science Prize open on Wednesday 3 June and close on midnight AEST, Sunday 5 July 2026. Finalists will be announced on Wednesday 16 September, with the awards dinner to be held in Canberra on Tuesday 13 October.

In reimagining healthcare across the entire patient journey, Health Industry Hub^TM is the only one-stop-hub uniting the diversity of the Pharma, MedTech, Diagnostics & Biotech sectors to inspire meaningful change.

The Health Industry Hub^TM content is copyright protected. Access is available under individual user licenses. Please click here to subscribe and visit T&Cs here.