It's a pleasure be here again today with some of Australia's great existing and future energy professionals.The Australian Energy Market Operator, AEMO, is honoured, together with the Commonwealth Government and a number of valued private donors, to be a key sponsor of the Zema Energy Studies Scholarship, established in the memory of our inaugural CEO, Matt Zema.Matt was a respected Monash University alumnus, he was the inaugural CEO of AEMO, and his legacy goes beyond the boundaries of our organisation into industry.When AEMO partnered with Monash University in 2019 to launch this PhD program, the goal was to nurture Australia's future energy leaders, and support research and greater understanding of our energy systems and the challenges posed by the rapid growth of renewable generation as our coal-fired generators approach retirement.Since then, the committee has awarded nine scholarships.Working together with Monash, we have this year expanded the program to include a mid-year intake opportunity, hoping to open the door for more talented candidates to contribute to this once in a generation transition.What I'd like to do this evening is take the time to recognise that many people here in this room, this evening, are either currently playing or will play critical roles in Australia's energy transition.As we know, Australia's energy transition is well underway. It's happening at pace.AEMO's 2024 Integrated System Plan, the ISP, is the roadmap for the National Electricity Market's energy transition and provides a least-cost pathway to transition the NEM from a system built on baseload and peaking generation, to one powered by renewables and firming by batteries and hydro, with flexible gas as the ultimate backstop.Today in the NEM, renewable generation contribution averages about 43% and peaks at 75% during short periods.These are levels beyond what was thought capable a decade ago - but we have a long way to go. There are instances now where the possible contribution of renewables in the NEM reaches beyond 100%.And AEMO is working hard to make sure that when the market wants to dispatch even higher levels of renewables, up to 100%, the system is ready.It's obvious that replacing aging coal-fired power stations with renewable generation and storage comes with many challenges.In addressing some of these challenges, AEMO's been working with some of the best academic minds and research in Australia and abroad.AEMO's Engineering Roadmap is where much of the technical journey is laid out, which we embarked on more than four years ago, and the Transition Plan for System Security, which was first published last year.These reports identify critical actions needed in enabling a grid that can manage instances of up to 100% renewables contribution.Some of this collaboration has already led to real advances in global understanding.We now know how grid-forming inverters can contribute to technical power system requirements, like system strength and inertia, and what is required to manage power system oscillations with decreasing levels of non-synchronous generators.But, much more needs to be done.No single organisation can solve all the complex challenges presented in transitioning our system.A coordinated effort is required between AEMO, governments, industry, market bodies, communities, consumers, and, especially, the research community.So that's where we come back to the people in this room.It is your minds, and critical research that will help solve the big challenges of the energy transition. And it isn't just electrical engineers we need. We need people from a variety of backgrounds: analysts, IT, policy, strategy, business, economics, finance, law. The list is a long one.It is with this diversity of thought that together we will solve the challenges Australia currently faces in transitioning our power system to net zero.Each individual background, knowledge and unique skill set will all bring a missing piece of the jig saw puzzle that is this once in a life time energy transition.As an example, Harriet Mason is a Zema scholar tackling a blind spot in data science. Her research focuses on uncertainty visualisation - the science of making statistical uncertainty easier to understand.We see this work improving our ability to forecasting renewable energy, and to enable more reliable decision-making in managing electricity supply and demand.I can't cover all the scholars in five minutes, but each will tell a similar story.So AEMO is looking to award more scholarships each year - including mid-year intake.And because we believe firmly in the value of connection, today we held the first Zema Connect event.Where Zema scholars with the opportunity to engage and learn from each other,delve into each other's research, and engage with AEMO experts who are living and breathing this energy transition every day.Going forward, Zema Connect will be held twice a year, to help our scholars build their networks and gain valuable insights to further their critical research efforts.Because Zema scholars are a critical part of Australia's energy transition.So it's a privilege to be here this evening among so many of Australia's best and brightest minds.I know Matt Zema would be proud to see his legacy live on in your academic achievements and future successes.I would like to thank the AEMO Directors and other members of the Zema Scholarship Committee who devote their time to this important program.Finally, I'd like to thank the Monash team for hosting our Zema Scholar Award evening.