UQ experts take top honours at 2026 WiT Awards

Two experts from The University of Queensland have won their categories at the 2026 Women in Technology (WiT) Awards, recognised for advancing workplace health and safety and improving the impact of health research.  

Dr Nikky LaBranche from the Sustainable Minerals Institute won the Excellence in Research category for her work using advanced imaging and data analysis to improve worker health and safety through better understanding of airborne dust exposure risks.  

Dr Sarah Flaim from the National Imaging Facility won the Consumer Strength Champion category for championing consumer and lived experience perspectives in research and healthcare. Through her leadership in research infrastructure, advocacy and community engagement, she has helped make research more accessible, relevant and impactful for patients. 

UniQuest's Vicebio commercialisation team was also recognised as a finalist in the Excellence in Industry Leadership category for translating UQ's Molecular Clamp technology into a globally validated biotechnology platform. The team's work contributed to Sanofi's US$1.15 billion acquisition agreement, highlighting the global impact of UQ research and innovation.  

The Women in Technology Awards celebrate women, teams and organisations that are shaping a stronger, more inclusive technology future and driving innovation across Queensland and beyond.