Chemistry Australia is pleased to announce Alison McGregor of Viva Energy has been awarded the 2025 Chemistry Australia CEW Woman Leader in STEM scholarship.

The 2025 Scholarship recognises Alison for her impressive strategic and operational skills in addition to her inclusive approach to leadership, which plays an important role in fostering a collaborative workplace environment where Alison’s team members are inspired to achieve their best.

A Chemical Engineer with an MBA and more than two decades of experience in the energy industry, Alison combines technical expertise with commercial acumen and a collaborative, inclusive leadership style. She is currently the Refinery Asset Manager at Viva Energy Australia, where she leads a team that delivers a systematic approach to management of asset risk and sustainable asset performance. More broadly, her commitment to driving business innovation and championing diversity is evident in her leadership of both strategic initiatives and mentoring programs.

Alison believes the Scholarship, which includes participation in the Oxford Saïd Business School Woman Transforming Leadership Programme, presents an exciting opportunity to further explore leadership practices and reflect on her unique leadership qualities with greater clarity and purpose.

“The Woman Leader in STEM Scholarship will provide me with a unique opportunity to experiment with different ways to influence and embrace my role as a leader,” said Ms McGregor.

“It will empower me to support the development of future leaders, and foster the resilience, innovation, and inclusive leadership skills necessary to address the complex and evolving challenges facing the energy industry."

“It’s a tremendous privilege to be awarded this scholarship, and I’m committed to amplifying its impact by supporting others, particularly aspiring female leaders in STEM roles, as they progress in their own professional journeys.”

Chemistry Australia CEO Samantha Read said Alison was an exceptional candidate for the 2025 Scholarship and possesses many stand-out qualities the judges were looking for in a potential Scholar.

“Alison is highly capable and articulate STEM professional who will be an outstanding role model for any future leader in the chemistry and STEM sectors looking to follow in her footsteps,” said Ms Read.

“I’d like to wish Alison great success exploring the networking and leadership development opportunities presented by this scholarship and the Women Transforming Leadership program.”

Ms Read said the scholarship is an initiative of the Chemistry Australia Board, and funded by its Board member companies, to accelerate career opportunities for Women in STEM and increase representation of women leaders in the Australian chemistry industry.

“I’m very proud that, in partnership with CEW, Chemistry Australia has now extended this wonderful opportunity to three impressive women in the Australian chemistry sector and helped them advance their careers.”

“The process of offering this scholarship has introduced us to some incredible women leaders and underlined the great depth of talent in our industry.

“I can’t wait to see how they shape future industry in Australia.”

Find out more information about the Chemistry Australia CEW Woman Leader in STEM Scholarship.