This year marks the 17th edition of the GENE Awards, a celebration of the remarkable individuals and businesses in Queensland who are driving significant change within the Life Sciences industry. Through these prestigious awards, Life Sciences Queensland (LSQ) remains committed to raising the profile of those advancing life sciences, putting their achievements in the spotlight, and showcasing their contributions to the sector’s future. Over the past 16 years, dozens of awards have been given to incredible professionals, and we are thrilled to now unveil the finalists for 2025.
This year saw a record number of nominations, making the judges’ task of selecting a few deserving finalists particularly challenging. The quality and sheer volume of entries reflect the outstanding work being done by individuals and organisations across Queensland’s Life Sciences industry. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who submitted nominations—your efforts are creating an exceptional energy in our sector.
So, without further ado, here are our 2025 finalists below.
Winners will be announced at the GENE Awards Gala Luncheon on 12 September 2025.
This award recognises early-stage ventures in the life sciences sector that have shown remarkable dedication and innovation in their research and development. Thanks to our sponsor KE Select.
Nominees were asked to demonstrate:
- novel research, innovation or digital applications that meet a large market opportunity
- a clearly articulated mission that serves the life sciences sector and will contribute to the sector’s growth and success
This award celebrates an outstanding company that has made a significant impact in Queensland’s life sciences sector over the last year. Thanks to our sponsor Cytiva.
Nominees were asked to demonstrate:
- a high level of impact on the current and future economic development and success of the life sciences sector in Queensland in the last year
- a contribution to raising the profile of Queensland’s life sciences capabilities within the industry and the broader community
- success in impactful activities such as support of academia (mentoring and student-support programs), sustainability initiatives towards Net Zero, commercialisation, job creation, government policy influence, diversity and inclusion programs and revenue and profitability growth
This award celebrates an individual who has made a significant impact on the success of the Queensland life sciences industry. Thanks to our sponsor McCullough Robertson.
Nominees were asked to demonstrate:
- made contributions that enhance the Queensland life sciences industry beyond their current role
- demonstrated servant leadership by inspiring and empowering others
- implemented a significant project which benefits the life sciences industry
- helped raise Queensland's profile and capabilities
- demonstrate ability to work across industry, academia and government collaboratively
This award recognises a person whose dedication contributes to the ongoing success and sustainability of rural and regional Queensland’s life sciences industry. Thanks to our sponsor Merck Life Sciences.
Nominees were asked to demonstrate:
- impact on the industry and community in which they work or volunteer
- impact on the broader rural or regional area above and beyond the impact on SE Queensland and greater Brisbane
- demonstrate innovation and creativity in their work
- helped raise rural and regional Queensland's profile and capabilities in the life sciences
This award recognises a trailblazing woman whose career has significantly advanced the growth and success of the Queensland life sciences sector. Thanks to our sponsor QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute.
Nominees were asked to demonstrate:
- contributions that enhance the Queensland life sciences industry beyond their current role
- strong and influential network that spans the boundaries of academia/industry and government, demonstrating a strong collaborative and inclusive working environment
- leadership by inspiring and empowering others, breaking down barriers and leading initiatives that advance women in the life sciences
- shaping the next generation of the life science sector through initiatives such as mentoring and university collaborations
- success in leadership and empowerment of women in the life sciences industry, with strong advocacy of diversity and inclusivity beyond their current job location
- helped raise Queensland's life sciences profile and capabilities.
This award recognises an innovative company that has distinguished themselves from their peers with strong overall performance as a company working in the QLD life sciences sector. Thanks to our sponsor Radium Capital.
Nominees were asked to demonstrate:
- leadership in their field and significant achievement that has allowed them to be recognised as a leading company in their field over the last 12 months
- establised a solid foundation for working beyond boundaries and demonstrated working across a collaborative ecosystem
In memory of Rose-Anne Kelso, this award honoursa passionate woman who has impacted the success of the Queensland life sciences industry and aspires to take her career to the next level. Now in its eleventh year, this award was created by Stockwell and LSQ to continue Rose's commitment to supporting women to achieve their full potential.
Nominees were asked to demonstrate:
- contributions beyond their job scope to further the Queensland life sciences industry, with experience working across the span of industry, academia and government
- experience mentoring others, fostering growth, and contributing to the professional development of colleagues (or seeking to increase their capacity to be a mentor)
- recognised as a high potential employee/researcher with aspirations to move into senior leadership or directorship roles with a pathway to achieve this
- contributing to raising Queensland's life sciences profile and capabilities