Women in Science Symposium inspires and connects
23 February 2026
Peter Mac celebrated ten years of the Lea Medal at today's Women in Science Symposium.
More than 200 people attended the hybrid morning of recognition and renewed commitment to advancing gender equity in research.
Co-hosts and Dr Lorey Smith and Professor Louise Cheng - Co-Chairs of Peter Mac's Research Gender Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (RGEDI) Committee - led the dynamic program of speakers, which opened with remarks from Peter Mac Board Chair Professor Rosemary McKenzie.
Representing the Victorian Government, Parliamentary Secretary for Women's Health Kat Theophanous MP reaffirmed the state's support for women in STEM and efforts to address medical misogyny.
And, in a moving presentation, Peter Mac patient Melanie Saba thanked the many ‘behind the scenes’ researchers whose work informed her treatment for breast cancer.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the 2026 Lea Medal which saw three researchers recognised with the prestigious award for the first time. Dr Aparna Rao, Associate Professor Safeera Hussainy and Dr Deborah Meyran will each receive $50,000 in career advancement support thanks to generous support from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation.
In reflecting on the initiatives' purpose, Peter Mac Foundation Chief Executive Craig Connelly said, 'The Lea Medals are about more than individual achievement. They’re about building an environment where talented researchers can thrive.'
The Medals' impact over the past decade was illustrated in a new video featuring current and former Peter Mac leaders and awardee.
The morning's keynote presentation was delivered by Professor Georgina Such from The University of Melbourne. With great energy she related her career journey as a chemist, parent, woman with an invisible disability, and a diversity and inclusion leader within the science sector.
Joining her were invited Peter Mac speakers Associate Professor Marliese Alexander and Dr Najoua Lalaoui, who spoke eloquently of their career paths in pharmacy and lab research respectively.
A clear throughline from all presentations was that very few careers in science are linear, and that organisations must respond to this. This is particularly true for women, for whom career breaks or a lack of opportunities can seriously threaten research momentum.
Just as consistently, speakers acknowledged the role of peers and mentors in supporting their careers to thrive. The message was clear: individual success is rarely achieved alone, and strong support networks are essential.
The morning was eye-opening, heartfelt, and at times emotional, but the tone remained overwhelmingly positive. Together, they underscored how recognition is essential to shifting trajectories and creating new possibilities for women in research.
Missed the symposium? Catch up with the event recording below…