UniSQ astrophysicist reaches for the stars with Young Tall Poppy award

For Dr Rebecca McElroy, looking billions of years into the past is all part of the job.

The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) astrophysicist investigates some of the most dramatic events in the universe – from galaxies colliding to supermassive black holes exploding – to better understand how galaxies like our own Milky Way evolved.

Now, her work and commitment to sharing the mysteries of the universe with others have been recognised with a 2026 Young Tall Poppy for Queensland award.

Dr McElroy, a Vice-Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research Fellow for Women in STEMM at UniSQ, formally accepted the award at the inaugural Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS) Science Summit and Gala Dinner in Sydney on Friday (11 September).

The annual awards recognise early-career researchers for scientific excellence and their ability to engage the community with their work.

Dr McElroy said the recognition was an exciting milestone in her research career.

“I am very excited and proud to receive this award,” she said.

“It places me alongside a fantastic community of researchers who share a commitment to scientific excellence and engagement.”

Dr McElroy said the award also provided an opportunity to share her experiences and encourage young people to consider a career in science.

“I hope that young people from diverse or underrepresented backgrounds can see that a career in science is well within their reach,” she said.

Her research focuses on understanding how galaxies evolve, particularly during periods of dramatic activity such as galaxy collisions and eruptions from supermassive black holes.

By studying these extraordinary events, Dr McElroy is helping scientists understand how galaxies grow and change over billions of years.

“I hope my work expands our fundamental understanding of the cosmos,” she said.

“I also hope that I continue to contribute to Australia’s world-leading research ecosystem and inspire Australia’s future scientists.

“On a broader level, I hope my journey helps break down systemic barriers and makes physics a more inclusive, accessible space for the next generation of researchers.”

She said sharing astronomy with the public could foster wonder, critical thinking and scientific literacy while helping to make science more accessible.

“Making science open, welcoming, and easy to digest demystifies the field and shows people from all walks of life that science belongs to everyone.”

Dr McElroy said she was grateful to the mentors, colleagues and wider research community who had supported her journey.

“No scientist is an island. We work in large teams, collaborations, and communities,” she said.

As a Queensland Young Tall Poppy, Dr McElroy will join a community of researchers helping to champion science and inspire the next generation to pursue STEM study and careers.