The Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation is proud to announce that our very own Research Advisor, Dr Amy Wilson, has been named as an official member of the ‘Superstars of STEM’ Program by the Hon Ed Husic, Minister for Industry and Science. Amy is one of 60 stellar ‘superstar’ scientists being inducted into the program run by Science and Technology Australia, which aims to break gender stereotypes about who can work in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).  

The Superstars undergo intensive training and skills development to give them the confidence to step into the public spotlight as go-to media commentators for science and technology stories. They will also inspire the next generation of STEM careers by attending local schools to speak about science and broaden students’ expectations of who can be a scientist. 

Amy has a PhD in ovarian cancer immuno-biology (Department of Immunology and Molecular Pathology, Monash University) and worked in the lab as a post-doctoral researcher at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research for 4 years, before transferring her knowledge and experience to her current role as Research Advisor with the OCRF. Amy now leads engagement with ovarian cancer researchers, helping to shape the Foundation’s research strategy, and supporting communications and advocacy efforts by the OCRF. As a scientist, advocate and person living with endometriosis, Amy’s passion for her work is both personal and professional and is palpable in everything she does.  

“Ultimately, my goal is to help advance research that leads to better diagnostics, treatments, survival rates and quality of life for all of those affected by ovarian cancer. I am also deeply committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in STEM. Understanding some of the challenges of bias, lack of support, and the absence of diverse role models, I am dedicated to closing the gender and LGBTQIA+ gap in STEM, especially in more senior positions.” 

Superstars of STEM is national program that fosters and celebrates diversity in STEM by developing the careers of participants and putting key national challenges on the agenda - such as ovarian cancer, which has been systematically overlooked and underfunded for decades and urgently needs attention. 

CEO of the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, Robin Penty, said Amy’s Superstar of STEM status would further bolster OCRF’s position as a leading independent voice in ovarian cancer research in Australia.  “We are very proud that Amy will take her place among the Superstars of STEM in 2025. We’ve always known she’s a star, and now Amy’s light can shine even brighter in this renowned national program. It’s a fantastic learning and professional development opportunity for her and will enhance the OCRF’s commitment to raising awareness of the pressing need for more investment in ovarian cancer research. We’re also keenly aware of the importance of diverse voices in Australian science, and proud Amy will be part of fostering the next generation of cancer researchers.”  

Amy will next begin a two-year intensive program of training, confidence and network-building, as she inspires the next generation of STEM professionals. 

Read the Government's media release here.

Learn more about Science and Technology Australia here.