A Griffith University specialist in Information and Communications Technology credits her role in upskilling researchers to boost their outcomes for her win at the 2018 Women in Technology Awards, held in Brisbane recently.
Amanda Miotto took at the ICT Professional Award, thanks to her role as an eResearch Senior Analyst and Software Developer for Griffith in which she has helped researchers achieve and accelerate their outcomes using technology.
As the lead organiser for the Research Bazaar Brisbane conference, Ms Miotto has been actively involved in training hundreds of researchers in data science.
The WiT Awards are the biggest and longest-running showcase of their kind in Australia, attracting a record field of entries this year from all branches of ICT and life sciences – including medical researchers, inventors, scientists, computer engineers, start-up innovators, employers and entrepreneurs.
More than 600 guests gathered at the Royal International Convention Centre as the winners were announced in 12 categories including employer-of-choice awards for both small and large business. The awards acknowledge young achievers at the start of their career in ICT or life sciences, to rising stars and industry leaders at the top of their field.
Ms Miotto said it was important to show non-traditional role models in the fields of STEM to highlight that anyone can do it.
"People initially tend to shy away from learning to code as it can be quite intimidating to start," Ms Miotto said.
"Part of our work includes helping people over that initial speedbump and enabling people by introducing what resources are available.
"Our events tend to be 50-60% women from all career levels, both as attendees and organizers, so there is a lot of interest from women in the STEM areas to build these skills. Diversity makes us a stronger society."
Fellow Griffith University finalists in the WiT awards included Dr Leigh-Ellen Potter for the ICT Professional Award; Dr Roisin McMahon for the Life Sciences Rising Star Award; Associate Professor Tanya Smith for the Life Sciences Research Award; and Griffith University itself for the Employer of Choice – Corporate.
Women in Technology Co-Presidents Dr Alison Rice and Joanna Field said the WiT Awards were one of the biggest showcases for women in the country.
"WiT has been celebrating women’s achievement in technology and life sciences for more than two decades.
"Our scientists are leaders in world class research and our entrepreneurs and expert professionals are breaking new ground in IT, digital technologies and online services. This is the calibre of women that have been recognised since the WiT awards began.
"Australia’s future will be built on technical skills so it is vital to encourage and inspire young women by showing them great role models and demonstrating how rewarding a career in science and technology can be."
