From Blazing Trails To Opening Doors To Learning

SA Gov

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

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