Wastewater Innovation Scientist Wins 2025 ACT Emerging Scientist of the Year

Dr Samantha McGaughey, a postdoctoral research scientist at the Australian National University’s (ANU) Research School of Biology, has been named the 2025 ACT Emerging Scientist of the Year for her groundbreaking work in wastewater technology.

Dr McGaughey’s research focuses on developing innovative systems to safely and efficiently recover clean water – along with valuable nutrients and minerals – from wastewater. Her work combines advanced biotechnology with natural processes, aiming to create sustainable solutions for water scarcity and resource recovery.

“It’s a great honour to be named the ACT Emerging Scientist of the Year, and to be able to represent the incredible research and biotechnological innovation happening in the ACT,” Dr McGaughey said. “My research aims to leverage nature’s extraordinary capabilities to develop technology to harvest clean water and critical resources from wastewater.”

The ACT Emerging Scientist of the Year Award celebrates outstanding contributions by early-career researchers in the territory. It recognises excellence in research and innovation, highlights science’s role in shaping a more sustainable future, and reflects the ACT’s commitment to building a resilient, knowledge-driven community.

Recipients of the award are often seen as role models for young people, inspiring students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The award also showcases the crucial role of research in improving everyday life, from environmental sustainability to public health.

Dr McGaughey’s achievement adds to the ACT’s long tradition of scientific excellence, reinforcing the region’s reputation as a hub for world-class research and innovation.

Source: ACT Government /Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3UPSVnv