2026 UQ Women in Engineering Breakfast

Join us at the 2026 UQ Women in Engineering Breakfast hosted by the UQ Women in Engineering Alumni Council on Friday 20 March.

UQ alumni, industry partners and friends are invited to an inspiring morning at the iconic Brisbane City Hall on Friday, 20 March 2026 for the UQ Women in Engineering Breakfast.

This year's event, hosted by the Women in Engineering Alumni Council and The University of Queensland, is centred around the powerful UN Women's Australia's International Women's Day theme, 'Balance the Scales.'

This theme is a promise that every woman and girl – regardless of background or identity – should be safe, heard, and free to shape their own lives. As women leaders and advocates in the engineering sector, this is our opportunity to drive meaningful change toward a more equitable future for women and girls.

Join over 300 engineering industry professionals and UQ alumni for this engaging and empowering discussion featuring esteemed guest speakers:

Keynote speaker

Merryn York

An electrical engineer and energy system leader, Merryn recently concluded her executive career as Executive General Manager, System Design at the Australian Energy Market Operator, where she led planning for Australia’s energy transition. She brings deep experience across the energy ecosystem, including eight years as CEO of Powerlink Queensland, service as a Commissioner with the Australian Energy Market Commission, and her current role as a Non-Executive Director at Transpower New Zealand. A passionate advocate for women in engineering, Merryn is widely respected for her collaborative leadership, system planning expertise and focus on the role of technology in achieving a net-zero future.

Panel speakers

Emily Marschke - Program and Operations Manager, The Australian Power Institute

Rebecca Munn - Group Executive People Safety and Sustainability, Queensland Rail

Will Shrapnel - Managing Director, HeliMods

Tickets are $75 for an individual or $520 for a table of eight (plus GST) and includes a plated hot breakfast and refreshments.

More information about our speakers and the event here.

Support Women in Engineering

Please consider a gift towards creating opportunities to drive change and promote greater diversity within the engineering industry.

Your generous support will enable us to continue to develop and enhance the future of women studying engineering at UQ and inspire women across Australia to consider pursuing a career in engineering.

Voluntary donations can be made to the Women in Engineering Fund when completing your ticket purchase.