11/02/2026
Today is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Celebrated each year on 11 February since 2015, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science highlights and celebrates the role of women and girls in STEM with the goal of inspiring and engaging others, and improving gender equality in the scientific environment.
Australia’s first Astronaut
2026 Australian of the Year, Astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg
In high school, when asked to write down three different career options, Katherine only wrote down one – astronaut – and refused to add any others.
‘If I may be allowed another dream beyond being an astronaut, it’s this that we bring that same ‘give it a go’ spirit from the sports field to the STEM fields, backing each other and ourselves with the trust that we can do hard, important things’.
Katherine Bennell-Pegg
Today is a great opportunity to encourage students to explore STEM pathways, challenge stereotypes, and recognise that curiosity, creativity, and innovation know no gender.