Dr Scarlett Raine has been named the 2025 CICTA Pearcey Rising Star, recognising her outstanding contributions to robotics, artificial intelligence, and marine ecosystem restoration. A Lecturer and Chief Investigator in the QUT Centre for Robotics, Dr Raine is at the forefront of applying computer vision and AI to analyse underwater imagery and improve the monitoring of marine environments. Her research excellence was previously acknowledged through the Executive Dean’s Commendation for Outstanding Doctoral Thesis in 2024. She now plays a key role in the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program as a Chief Investigator on the $3.5 million Transition to Deployment sub-program, where she is developing an AI‑driven Reef Guidance System to automate the re‑seeding of temperature‑resilient coral to degraded reefs.
Dr Raine’s commitment to innovation and diversity has also been recognised beyond academia, with Highly Commended honours at the Women in Technology Awards, where she was a finalist in both the Emerging Tech and Emerging Science Star categories. The 2025 CICTA Pearcey Rising Star Award was presented to her at the Pearcey CICTA Queensland Awards Dinner on 22 October by The Hon. Andrew Powell, Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Minister for Science and Innovation.
Paul Gampe, Pearcey Qld Chair; The Hon. Andrew Powell, Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Minister for Science and Innovation; Dr Scarlett Raine, 2025 CICTA Pearcey Rising Star; Dr Nick Tate, CICTA Chair.
About the Award
The CICTA Rising Star Award recognises an early-career individual who has demonstrated exceptional promise and made significant contributions to the Australian digital technology sector. This award is designed to spotlight emerging leaders who are shaping the future of the digital technology sector through innovation, leadership, and impact.
The Rising Star Award celebrates those who are still early in their career journey yet are already making waves, individuals who inspire peers, disrupt conventional thinking, and embody the entrepreneurial spirit of Australia’s digital economy.
Conditions of Entry
– The nominee must be an individual based in Queensland, Australia.
– The nominee should be early-career, generally within the first 10 years of their professional journey (exceptions allowed in cases of career breaks or non-linear paths).
– Open to individuals from startups, corporates, academia, non-profits, or government who are contributing to the ICT/digital tech space.
– Nominations can be made by colleagues, mentors, employers, or peers. Self-nominations are also accepted.
Selection Criteria
Nominees will be assessed based on their:
Impact and Achievement
– Demonstrated contributions to digital technology through projects, products, research, or leadership.
– Clear evidence of the value, innovation, or societal impact created.
Innovation and Creativity
– Ability to think differently and solve problems in new ways.
– Involvement in innovative digital solutions, emerging technologies, or entrepreneurial ventures.
Leadership and Influence
– Demonstrated leadership potential, even in junior or non-executive roles.
– Ability to inspire and influence others, either through community involvement, mentoring, or team impact.
Growth and Trajectory
– Strong potential for future leadership and influence in the sector.
– A trajectory that indicates ongoing impact and advancement.
Values and Contribution to the Ecosystem
– Commitment to positive change, collaboration, diversity, or sustainability in tech/digital.
– Engagement with the broader tech/digital community (e.g. speaking, mentoring, volunteering, etc.).
How to nominate
Nominators must submit:
A short response (max. 200 words) to each of the five selection criteria. Ensure all selection criteria are addressed.
The nominee’s CV or LinkedIn profile.
Optional: Supporting material (e.g., media, project links, testimonials).
Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for an interview or to provide further documentation.
Judging Process
The judging panel will consist of 4–6 representatives selected to reflect a diverse and balanced view of the sector.
Nomination Submission
All nominations must include a supporting statement, nominee CV or LinkedIn profile, and optional supporting materials.
Initial Assessment & Shortlisting
Judges will independently score nominations using a structured rubric based on the criteria above. Top-ranked candidates will proceed to the next stage.
Panel Deliberation
The judging panel will meet to review and discuss the shortlisted candidates, ensuring that scoring is balanced with qualitative insight.
Interviews (Optional)
Shortlisted nominees may be contacted for a short interview or asked to submit a short video or written reflection to support final evaluation.
Final Decision & Announcement
One winner will be selected, and commendations may be made at the panel’s discretion. The award will be formally announced during the CICTA Awards event or a relevant industry gathering.
Recognition
The Rising Star award will be announced at the annual Pearcey CICTA Queensland Awards in October (date to be confirmed).
Key Dates
Nominations for the 2026 Rising Star Award will open soon.
Make sure to save your responses to the selection criteria elsewhere as a backup.
For any enquiries or questions, please contact Debra Krause on secretariat@cicta.org.au or on 0468 443 868.