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 Miottotook at the ICT Professional Award, thanks to her role as aneResearchSenior Analyst and Software Developer for Griffith in which she has helped researchers achieve and accelerate their outcomes using technology.

Astheleadorganiserfor the Research Bazaar Brisbane conference,MsMiottohas been actively involved in training hundreds of researchers in data science.

TheWiTAwards 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.

MsMiotto said it wasimportant to show non-traditionalrole 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,”MsMiotto said.

“Part of our work includes helping people over that initial speedbump and enablingpeople by introducing whatresources are available.

“Our events tend to be 50-60% women from all careerlevels, both as attendees and organizers,so there is a lot of interest from women in theSTEM areas to build these skills.Diversity makes us astronger society.”

Fellow Griffith University finalists in theWiTawards included DrLeigh-Ellen Potterfor theICT Professional Award; DrRoisin McMahonfor theLife Sciences Rising Star Award; Associate ProfessorTanya Smithfor theLife Sciences Research Award; and Griffith University itself fortheEmployerof Choice — Corporate.

Women in Technology Co-Presidents Dr Alison Rice and Joanna Field said theWiTAwards were one of the biggest showcases for women in the country.

“WiThas been celebrating women’s achievement in technology and life sciences for more than twodecades.

“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 thecalibreof women that have beenrecognisedsince theWiTawards began.

“Australia’s future will be built on technicalskillsso 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 canbe.”