Wildlife scientist and the Premier’s NSW Woman of Excellence 2025, Dr Vanessa Pirotta, highlighted the importance of remote sensing and citizen science in uncovering the hidden behaviors of marine animals at the NSSN’s Women in Sensing Summit. Dr Pirotta said tools like drones have revolutionised the ability to study animals such as whales without disturbing them. 

An innovative NSSN-backed project is repurposing a device—originally built to detect airborne crop diseases—to transform mould monitoring in homes and help safeguard the health of millions of Australians. 

View the photo highlights from the inaugural NSSN Women in Sensing Summit — a day filled with inspiring speakers, dynamic discussions, and meaningful connections celebrating the achievements and impact of women in sensing technologies.

Australia’s former chief scientist Dr Cathy Foley has urged women to be part of a tech revolution in Australia she says will see the industry replace mining as our key export.  Dr Foley told the NSSN’s first Women in Sensing Summit that Australia's STEM sector is being held back by a lack of gender and cultural diversity.  

The latest Sensing Industry Connect event at Macquarie University showcased cutting-edge collaborations driving innovation in hearing and vision technologies. 

This month, we spotlight the upcoming Women in Sensing Summit. Discover how diversity drives innovation and success; learn about a new biosensor designed to monitor health in racehorses and military dogs. Also, catch highlights from the NSW Commercialisation Showcase at UTS.

Watch our highlights of the second NSW Commercialisation Showcase, hosted by the Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer at UTS this week.

For Australia to deliver on its economic ambition we must actively increase female participation in science and innovation. As NSSN Deputy Board Chair, and passionate advocate for diversity in STEM, Dr Jill Freyne writes, there is a desperate need for leadership, investment, and structural change to ensure Australia’s science and tech future is inclusive, ethical, and effective.

We asked seven experts from universities, industry, and government how sustainability can deliver real-world impact, reduce costs, and create a competitive edge for manufacturers.

Read the NSW Smart Sensing Network’s response to the Department of Industry, Science and Resources’ Strategic Examination of Research and Development (R&D) consultation.

Australia’s push for net zero by 2050 relies heavily on its manufacturing sector, which is already delivering innovative solutions like green concrete and carbon-tracking tech to cut emissions and drive sustainable impact, the Western Sydney Manufacturers Forum heard last week.

This month: Read about the four innovative teams which will share $360,000 of NSSN Grand Challenge funding for impactful projects; Nicholas Haskins writes about the power of triple helix collaboration; and meet some of the trailblazing women in science to lead the NSSN Women in Sensing Summit.