Women in STEM Breakfast

06 May 2026

Keynote: From Drones to Decisions – How Women are Shaping Resources Technology

From tracking turtles off Western Australia's coast to advising on the future of autonomous mining, Dr Catherine Ball has witnessed technology transform industries. In this keynote, Catherine explores how emerging technologies, drones, AI, robotics and automation, are reshaping the resources sector, and why women are uniquely positioned to lead this transformation. Drawing on her experience founding the World of Drones Congress and advising global innovation challenges, she'll challenge attendees to move from passive observers to active architects of mining's technological future.

Speaker: Dr Catherine Ball, Scientific Futurist, Author & Founder

 

Panel: The Technology Activation Gap – Bridging Innovation Intent and Operational Reality

Rather than discussing technology in the abstract, panellists will share specific decisions they've made, barriers they've overcome, and actions attendees can replicate.

  • Dr Vanessa Guthrie AO, Chair, IGO; Board Director, Santos, Lynas Rare Earths and Orica
  • Senior Executive | BHP or Rio Tinto
Speakers
Dr Catherine Ball
Dr Catherine Ball, Adjunct Professor | Futurist | Author