We're excited to announce Dr Michelle Dickinson MNZM (Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit) will be our keynote speaker at i-Educate 2026.

Dr Michelle Dickinson MNZM is a pioneering engineer and technology strategist whose career bridges science, engineering, and emerging technologies. Driven by a mission to make complex ideas accessible and engaging, she has become a global leader in translating cutting-edge innovation into concepts that inspire action.

Raised with a curiosity for how things work, Michelle went on to earn a PhD in Biomedical and Materials Engineering, specialising in advanced nanomechanical techniques.

Her academic research spanned materials science and biomedical engineering, producing an extensive body of published work.

Michelle’s career has seen her advising some of the world’s largest technology companies on nanotechnology and guiding them through the rapidly evolving landscapes of AI, quantum computing, and sustainable technology. She has held influential roles across academia and industry, including her ongoing position as an honorary academic in engineering at the University of Auckland.

As co-founder of Nanogirl Labs, she built innovative STEM education programmes that reached global audiences, before founding Matter Workshop, where she continues to champion creative approaches to STEM learning and corporate technology training. She also serves as an Honorary Wing Commander in the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

Beyond her technical expertise, Michelle is an accomplished author of bestselling science books, a creator and host of award-winning television series, and the voice behind top-charting science podcasts. Her ability to connect science to everyday life has made her a familiar presence in media and a trusted voice in public science communication.

Michelle’s contributions have been recognised with numerous awards, including the Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to science communication, the Sir Peter Blake Leadership Award, the Prime Minister’s Science Media Communication Prize, and the Women of Influence Award for Science & Innovation.

Whether you’re a principal, teacher, IT technician or administrator, Dr Michelle’s keynote will challenge the way you think about technology, innovation, and the future of education. You’ll walk away with practical insights, real-world examples, and renewed confidence to lead your school through an increasingly complex digital landscape.