New Zealand's higher education landscape is witnessing a gradual but promising rise in women excelling in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Despite comprising around 41.5% of Year 12 girls studying STEM subjects, women hold less than 20% of STEM-related roles in the workforce. University researchers are at the forefront, driving innovation in climate science, microbiology, robotics, and more. This article spotlights the top 10 women in STEM New Zealand, primarily from universities, whose groundbreaking work inspires the next generation and addresses national challenges like biodiversity loss, health crises, and sustainable engineering.
These trailblazers not only advance knowledge but also mentor students and advocate for diversity. Their stories highlight how New Zealand universities foster excellence amid underrepresentation, with initiatives like the GCSB Women in STEM Scholarship boosting participation.
The State of Women in STEM at New Zealand Universities
New Zealand universities, including the University of Auckland, University of Otago, and Victoria University of Wellington, are hubs for female STEM talent. According to rankings from Research.com for 2025/2026, top female scientists boast H-indexes over 100, reflecting massive citation impacts. Yet, challenges persist: the 'leaky pipeline' sees drop-offs from school to senior roles.
Progress includes Royal Society Te Apārangi fellowships and womeninstem.co.nz profiles showcasing leaders across disciplines. Programs like WiE CAN at University of Canterbury empower girls through hands-on camps. For aspiring researchers, explore higher ed career advice or higher ed jobs at AcademicJobs.com.
- 41.5% Year 12 girls in STEM subjects.
- <20% STEM workforce women.
- Top universities: Auckland, Otago lead in female researcher citations.
1. Professor Dame Juliet Gerrard: Biochemistry Powerhouse at University of Auckland
Dame Juliet Gerrard, Professor at the University of Auckland, exemplifies leadership in biochemistry. Specializing in protein structure and food science applications, she served as Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor (2018-2024), bridging academia and policy during COVID-19 and natural disasters. Her research on protein-protein interactions has over 8,900 citations, earning her Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (DNZM). Gerrard's inclusive science advice model influences university curricula and public engagement.
At Auckland, she mentors PhD students in applied biochemistry, contributing to sustainable food tech. Her dual academic-industry career inspires STEM students nationwide.
2. Distinguished Professor Dame Margaret Brimble: Medicinal Chemistry Pioneer, University of Auckland
Dame Margaret Brimble, at the University of Auckland's School of Chemical Sciences, is a global leader in medicinal chemistry. Her drug discovery work, including synthetic peptides for cancer and infectious diseases, has revolutionized treatments. With Fellow status from Royal Society Te Apārangi, she holds numerous patents and supervises top PhD candidates.
Brimble's achievements include over 400 publications and leadership in organic synthesis. She advocates for women in chemistry, hosting seminars at Auckland to boost female enrollment in STEM courses.
3. Professor Christine Winterbourn: Free Radical Biology Expert, University of Otago
Professor Christine Winterbourn, at the University of Otago Christchurch, tops NZ female scientists with an H-index of 112 and 46,786 citations. Her pioneering research on oxidative stress and neutrophils earned the Rutherford Medal, NZ's top science honor—the first woman recipient.
Winterbourn's lab advances understanding of inflammation and antioxidants, impacting treatments for diseases like COVID-19. She mentors early-career researchers, enhancing Otago's biomedical reputation.
4. Professor Sheila Williams: Biostatistics Trailblazer, University of Otago
With an H-index of 107, Professor Sheila Williams at Otago's Preventive and Social Medicine department excels in epidemiology and biostatistics. Her 37,473 citations stem from studies on child health, epidemiology, and clinical trials.
Williams collaborates on national health data, training statisticians vital for STEM research at Otago.
5. Associate Professor Siouxsie Wiles: Microbiology Communicator, University of Auckland
Dr Siouxsie Wiles heads Auckland's Bioluminescent Superbugs Lab, researching antibiotic resistance with glowing bacteria. Named New Zealander of the Year 2021 for COVID science communication, she has MNZM honor and books on microbes.
Her outreach inspires university students, blending research with public impact.
6. Professor Elizabeth Broadbent: Robotics Innovator, University of Auckland
Professor Broadbent pioneers human-robot interaction for healthcare at Auckland. Her work on companion robots for elderly and mental health has global citations. Fulbright scholar, FRSNZ fellow, she teaches robotics courses boosting female participation.
7. Professor Jacqueline Beggs: Ecology Champion, University of Auckland
Prof Beggs specializes in invasive species ecology, cited 5,818 times. Leading wasp control and biodiversity research, she directs Auckland's Centre for Biodiversity & Biosecurity.
8. Professor Nancy Bertler: Antarctic Climate Scientist, Victoria University of Wellington
Prof Bertler leads ice core research at Victoria's Antarctic Research Centre, revealing past climates. Principal Scientist at GNS, her work informs NZ policy on sea-level rise.
9. Dr Michelle Dickinson: Nanotech Engineer & Educator, University of Auckland
Dr Dickinson, Auckland engineering alumna, founded NanoGirl Labs. Her nanotechnology for health and materials, plus STEM outreach via Nanogirl character, engages thousands of girls.
10. Professor Susan Krumdieck: Sustainable Engineering Leader, University of Canterbury
Prof Krumdieck at Canterbury pioneers transition engineering for energy sustainability. Her pulsed pressure CVD and antimicrobial coatings advance green tech, mentoring women in mech eng.
Impacts and Challenges for Women in STEM New Zealand
These leaders contribute to university research output, patents, and policy. Impacts include better health diagnostics, climate models, and robotics for aged care. Challenges: funding gaps, work-life balance. Solutions: mentorship, scholarships.
Universities like Auckland host Women in STEM networksWomen in STEM NZ.
Initiatives Driving Change in Higher Education
Royal Society fellowships, AWIS awards, and university programs like AUT Women in Tech propel progress. Future: target 30% women in senior STEM roles by 2030.
Photo by Amos Haring on Unsplash
- GCSB Scholarships: $10k for female STEM students.
- ICWES19 hosted by Engineering NZ.
Future Outlook and Actionable Insights
Optimism grows with these role models. Students: pursue STEM at NZ unis; check university jobs, rate my professor. Explore faculty jobs or academic CV tips. NZ's women in STEM New Zealand are paving the way—join them.
For more, visit Royal Society Te Apārangi or University of Auckland.