Cultural notice: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains the name of a person who has died.
The ATSE Awards recognise excellence and innovation in applied science, technology and engineering, celebrating individuals and teams who translate research and technical expertise into solutions with meaningful economic, environmental and social impact.
Wuyagiba Study Hub is funded under the department's Regional University Study Hubs program, which provides students in regional and remote areas with access to study spaces, computers, internet and student support services.
Now in its ninth year, Wuyagiba Study Hub was recognised for combining the Traditional Knowledges, practices and languages of Arnhem Land with Western technologies and skills, enabling students to confidently navigate both Indigenous and Western ways of knowing.
Wuyagiba Study Hub works closely with Macquarie University, creating opportunities to share knowledge, resources and expertise.
The Hub's Bush Uni initiative embeds Traditional Knowledge and cultural practices across all areas of learning. Speaking about the initiative, director and co-founder Dr Helen Rogers said:
"I love teaching our traditional science. All about Bush implements, how they made them, using Bush tools, geology, biology, engineering, archaeology, all that."
University lecturers are also invited to spend time on Country, learning directly from community members while integrating Western technologies and skills alongside Indigenous knowledge systems.
"We work together as a team and as a family," Dr Rogers said.
The initiative's Indigenous Science curriculum has been adapted for teaching at Macquarie University, extending awareness of Indigenous STEM to thousands more students.
More than 150 students have completed the Study Hub's four accredited university units, with 40 progressing to bachelor degrees.
Wuyagiba Study Hub team members Regina Rogers, Annette Daniels and Godfrey Blitner receiving an award from ATSE President Dr Cathy Foley.
Congratulating this year's winners, ATSE President Dr Cathy Foley said their achievements demonstrated how innovation and collaboration can create meaningful impact.
"Congratulations to all our 2026 award winners. Their achievements show how Australian ingenuity, collaboration and engineering excellence can turn ambitious ideas into practical solutions that improve lives, strengthen our industries and help build a more sustainable future," Dr Foley said.
The award recognises the team's long-standing commitment to creating culturally grounded pathways into higher education and demonstrating the value of Indigenous knowledge in contemporary STEM education.
Congratulations to Dr Helen Rogers, Mr Godfrey Blitner, the late Dr K Rogers, Annette Daniels, Heather Ponto, Cynthia Turner, Dean Austin Bara, Regina Rogers, Renee Cawthorne, Andrea Jaggi, Dr Emilie Ens and Sam Ricketts on this outstanding achievement.
Learn more about the Study Hub on the Wuyagiba Study Hub website.
