A stand-out woman leader in the Australian chemistry industry will again have an opportunity to transform her STEM career through the 2026 Chemistry Australia CEW Woman Leader in STEM scholarship.

Applications for the 2026 scholarship are now open on the CEW website. The scholarship is open to employees of Chemistry Australia member companies and their supply chain partners, alongside candidates who currently work in the chemistry industry nationally.

The scholarship is a fully funded initiative of the Chemistry Australia Board, to accelerate career opportunities for women in STEM and increase representation of women leaders in the Australian chemistry industry.

Chemistry Australia is pleased to continue its partnership with Chief Executive Women (CEW) to enable an emerging woman leader in the chemistry sector to attend the Women Transforming Leadership Programme at Oxford University in the United Kingdom.

The 2026 scholarship is the fourth offered by Chemistry Australia and CEW, having awarded scholarships in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Previous Woman Leader in STEM scholars include 2023 winner Kira McGrath, Senior Manager – Global Safety & Risk at Orica Australia, Dr Roya Khalil, Director of R&D, Quality and Stewardship at Incitec Pivot Fertilisers (2024), and Alison McGregor, Refinery Asset Manager at Viva Energy, in 2025.

Each scholar reported the Women Transforming Leadership Programme helped them achieve significant gains in their leadership skills, and form beneficial new networks with fellow female leaders.

Chemistry Australia CEO Matthew Flügge said the scholarship is a flagship Board initiative aimed at strengthening diversity in leadership across the chemicals and plastics sector.

“The scholarship is a powerful opportunity for a woman leader in our industry to take the next step in their career and play a direct role in strengthening the essential work of our industry, which supports virtually every sector in Australia,” said Mr Flügge.

“We encourage all eligible women to apply for the scholarship, and be recognised for their valuable contribution to Australia’s strategically important chemicals and plastics industry.”

CEW CEO Lisa Annese highlights the power of this scholarship to accelerate the career trajectories of high-potential women in STEM. She notes that in just three years, all three previous scholars have stepped into more senior leadership and/or governance roles.

“From scholarship recipient to the leadership table, that’s what this investment in the Woman Leader in STEM scholarship produces. We are grateful for the continued support from Chemistry Australia and their contribution to the future of leadership in Australia,” said Ms Annese.

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must currently work in the Australian chemical industry, be a senior manager or executive, have 5-10 years of senior leadership experience, and have the endorsement of the Executive or Board of their organisation.

More information can be found at the CEW website. Nominees can submit their application by Monday 31 August 2026.