Kernot Memorial Medal Oration
2026 Kernot Memorial Medal Oration
Date: Thursday 22nd October
Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Location: The Forum, Melbourne Connect (700 Swanston St Carlton, VIC 3053)
The Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology is delighted to announce Samantha Read FRACI GAICD BEng (Hons) as the recipient of the 2026 Kernot Memorial Medal, in recognition of her distinguished contributions to engineering and their impact across industry and public policy.
From advancing manufacturing capability and sustainability initiatives to influencing policy and regulatory reform, Samantha's leadership has made a lasting contribution to Australian industry.
The 2026 Kernot Memorial Medal will be presented to Samantha Read, followed by the Kernot Memorial Medal Oration, where she will share insights drawn from more than three decades of leadership and impact across industry, public policy and innovation.
Samantha Read is a remarkable non-executive director, business leader and former CEO whose 35-year career has spanned the chemicals, plastics, renewable fuels, automotive and steel sectors.
Recognised for her distinguished leadership at the intersection of industry, engineering and public policy, Samantha has played a significant role in modernising Australia’s industrial chemicals regulation, advancing circular economy policy development, strengthening sovereign manufacturing capability, supply chain resilience, and championing biofuels. She currently serves as Chair of the Advisory Board of the ARC Training Centre for Sustainable and Green Economy Manufacturing, Deputy Chair of The Fair Co, Non-Executive Director of the Battery Stewardship Council, and member of the Federal Government’s Advisory Committee for the Environmental Management of Industrial Chemicals.
Having recently left Chemistry Australia where she was CEO for 12 years, Samantha continues her passion of supporting the next generation of Australian industry leaders as a Mentor with Monash Business School’s Creative Destruction Lab program. Her contributions have been recognised through a Monash University Distinguished Alumni (Engineering) Award and Fellowship of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.