Engineering health and safety advocate Kate Cole awarded Kernot Memorial Medal

Engineer and occupational hygienist Ms Kate Cole OAM, founder and Director of Cole Health, has been awarded the 2025 Kernot Memorial Medal, in recognition of her stellar work in health and safety advocacy in engineering.

The presentation marks 100 years since the Kernot Medal was established.

Bestowed by the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (FEIT) in the University of Melbourne, the medal has recognised many prominent engineers since 1925, such as Sir John Monash and Sir John Holland. The award is named after Professor William Charles Kernot, the University’s first professor of engineering.

FEIT Dean Professor Thas Nirmalathas congratulated Ms Cole on her outstanding contribution to health and safety within the profession and noted one of her recent career highlights.

“Kate is a dedicated advocate for the protections of workers’ health,” Professor Nirmalathas said. “In particular, her work on the control of crystalline silica (or silica dust) has improved health outcomes for workers across Australia.”

Ms Cole’s work as a consultant has seen her play a key role in protecting the health of workers across some of Australia’s most iconic infrastructure projects.

She has previously been named one of the Top 100 Women of Influence by the ‘Australian Financial Review’ and was included in the COVID-19 Honour Roll in the 2022 Australia Day Honours.

Ms Cole thanked the University for the honour, as well as colleagues who work to safeguard health and safety across Australia. She also acknowledged the award’s namesake.

“Professor Kernot believed deeply that engineering should serve society. He was known for combining technical mastery with a passion for public benefit, shaping both infrastructure and the profession itself,” Ms Cole said.

“His commitment to applying engineering knowledge for the good of the community resonates strongly with me and with the work I strive to do every day."