Some of South Australia's leading scientists, innovators, researchers and educators have been selected as finalists in the 2025 South Australian Science Excellence and Innovation Awards.
The groundbreaking work of these exceptional science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) professionals has been revolutionising fields including photonics, agriculture, nuclear medicine, chronic illness and pain science.
This year's new category for mid-career STEMM professionals includes finalists who are improving side effects of cancer treatment, harnessing virtual reality to redefine how we treat osteoarthritis, and designing green chemical systems to treat and reuse water.
The two previous categories of Innovator of the Year and Excellence in Science and Industry Collaboration were realigned this year as a single Excellence in Collaborative Innovation Award, which recognises that innovation is often the result of a team effort.
The team finalists of this combined category are achieving breakthroughs such as world-first tests for treatment of patients with Motor Neurone Disease, using artificial intelligence to accurately and non-invasively diagnose endometriosis, and improving physical activity and screen time outcomes at out of school hours care services.
Finalists in the educator categories are defined by their passion in making STEMM study accessible to all, particularly from diverse, disadvantaged or under-represented backgrounds.
The 18 finalists were selected from a strong field of 66 applications across the six categories, with the winners to be announced at the 2025 SA Science Excellence and Innovation Awards Ceremony on 14 November in Adelaide. Tickets to the event will be made available to the public from September.
For the full list of finalists, see table below or visit scienceawards.sa.gov.au
As put by Susan Close
Congratulations to the high-achieving finalists of our 2025 SA Science Excellence and Innovation Awards.
These scientists, researchers, innovators and educators are at the forefront of their fields, and they play a crucial role in pioneering the science and research that we all benefit from.
It is thanks to people like them that South Australia continues to be renowned across the world as a leader in scientific research and application.
As put by Prof Craig Simmons FAA FTSE, Chief Scientist of SA
These awards are a celebration of the outstanding scientists we have here in South Australia.
It's been gratifying this year to be able to select finalists who are in the middle of their careers, juggling multiple responsibilities while still making major breakthroughs that promise to change lives.
Recognising the hard work and dedication of our STEMM educators is incredibly important to me as they nurture and inspire the next generation of scientists and researchers.
Congratulations to all the finalists – I look forward to celebrating with you in November.
Category |
Finalist name |
Finalist organisation/s |
SA Scientist of the Year |
Professor Kishan Dholakia |
Centre of Light for Life University of Adelaide |
Professor Heike Ebendorff-Heidepriem |
Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS) University of Adelaide |
|
Professor Matthew Gilliham |
University of Adelaide Waite Research Institute |
|
STEMM Educator of the Year – Primary/Secondary |
Australian Science and Mathematics School Interdisciplinary STEMM team |
Australian Science and Mathematics School |
Mr Trevor Stephenson |
Seymour College |
|
UniSA STEMpire |
University of South Australia |
|
STEMM Educator of the Year – University/Registered Training Organisation |
Making Mathematics for All: Transforming mathematics education and supporting school teachers to improve student success and engagement |
Flinders University |
UniSA College STEMM |
University of South Australia |
|
Professor Withawat Withayachumnankul |
University of Adelaide |
|
Excellence in Collaborative Innovation |
Activated OSHC Partnership: Transforming after-school health at scale |
University of South Australia |
IMAGENDO: Diagnosing Endometriosis with Imaging and AI |
University of Adelaide |
|
SA MND Clinical Research Team |
Flinders Medical Centre Southern Adelaide Local Health Network |
|
PhD Research Excellence |
Dr Ashleigh Hull |
University of South Australia |
Dr Amelia Mardon |
University of South Australia Western Sydney University |
|
Dr Marie-Claire Seeley |
University of Adelaide |
|
South Australian Mid-Career STEMM Professional of the Year |
Associate Professor Xiaoguang Duan |
University of Adelaide |
Associate Professor Tasha Stanton |
University of South Australia SAHMRI |
|
Associate Professor Hannah Wardill |
University of Adelaide SAHMRI |