Professor Maria Kavallaris AM FAHMS FRSN is Founding Director of the Australian Centre for NanoMedicine at UNSW Sydney, Head of Translational Cancer NanoMedicine at the Children’s Cancer Institute, Australia. Working at the interface of medicine, science and engineering, their innovation in driving interdisciplinary research in cancer nanomedicine has led to industry and clinical linkages for the development of cancer therapeutics and devices. Contributions to innovation are recognised through awards including the 2017 Premiers Science & Engineering Award for Leadership in Innovation in NSW, 2019 Lemberg Medal, 2021 ANSTO Eureka Prize for Innovative use of Technology, and the 2023 Walter Burfitt Prize from the Royal Society of New South Wales. In 2020, Maria was named the NSW Woman of the Year.