Globally influential researchers in marine sciences, plant genomics and astronomy are among 16 researchers affiliated with The University of Western Australia to be named finalists in this year's Premier's Science Awards.
The awards, which this year feature 38 finalists across 10 categories, recognise and celebrate the outstanding scientific research, teaching and engagement taking place in WA.
All three finalists for Scientist of the Year are from UWA.
Professor Charitha Pattiaratchi, from the UWA Oceans Institute and School of Engineering, has made pioneering contributions to the field of coastal oceanography, particularly in WA and the Indian Ocean region. His work – using novel techniques including ocean gliders – has shaped much of the current knowledge about WA oceanography. His major discoveries include dense shelf water transport, sea level variability, tsunami impacts and the Leeuwin Current system.
Highly cited canola genomics researcher Professor Jacqueline Batley, a biological scientist and Laureate Fellow with the School of Biological Sciences, has made significant contributions to our understanding of plant-pathogen interactions and the role of genome diversity in disease resistance. Her research identified genes underlying important traits for crop improvement and has led to improved food security, enhanced productivity and stable yields.
Marine ecologist Professor Thomas Wernberg, from the School of Biological Sciences and UWA Oceans Institute, is unravelling the complex processes that drive the ecology of near-shore marine environments. His work has transformed our understanding of the critical ecological and socio-economic importance of kelp forests, and how climate change and marine heatwaves impact species and ecosystem services globally.
Two UWA-affiliated researchers are finalists in the new category of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientist of the Year.
Associate Professor Glenn Pearson is Director of First Nations Strategy and Leadership, Head of First Nations Health and Equity Research, and co-team lead for the Australian Strep-A Vaccine Alliance at The Kids Research Institute Australia, and an Associate Professor at UWA. With expertise spanning Aboriginal health and wellbeing, child development, Aboriginal research methodologies, policy and advocacy, he has transformed approaches to Aboriginal research and community involvement.
Dr Jessica Buck, a Kamilaroi woman and cancer research scientist, is an adjunct senior research fellow with the UWA Medical School and leads the First Nations Childhood Cancer Research team at The Kids. Her world-first research program aims to Close the Gap in outcomes for First Nations children with cancer.
Three UWA-affiliated researchers are finalists for Mid-Career Scientist of the Year.
Professor Sascha Schediwy, from the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research at UWA, leads the teams building the TeraNet laser ground station network in WA for the Australian Space Agency; the laser timing system for Square Kilometre Array radio telescope; and optical technologies that enhance Australia's national security.
Paediatric infectious disease specialist Clinical Professor Asha Bowen OAM – from the UWA Medical School, Perth Children's Hospital and The Kids, where she heads the Healthy Skin and ARF Prevention team – is reducing the high burden of skin infections for Aboriginal children in Australia, particularly in remote communities. Her work has driven change in clinical care, policy and global knowledge.
Professor Nick Golding, Infectious Disease Modelling Chair at UWA and team lead of Infectious Disease Ecology and Modelling at The Kids, is internationally recognised for mathematical and statistical modelling for the control of epidemics and emerging infectious diseases. His modelling has guided Australia's response to COVID-19 and Japanese Encephalitis virus, Ebola policy in the UK and Sierra Leone, and China's H7N9 surveillance.
Dr Jessica Kretzmann from the School of Molecular Sciences and Dr Kai Chen from the School of Biomedical Sciences are finalists for Early Career Scientist of the Year.
Dr Kretzmann uses nanotechnology and 'DNA origami' to design materials for next-generation drug and gene therapeutics, and diagnostics. Based at UWA, her breakthrough research is positioning WA as a global biotechnology leader.
Dr Chen uses a first-of-its kind imaging platform to directly visualise how nutrients and medicines move through bone and marrow, bridging critical knowledge gaps in incurable skeletal diseases like bone cancer and osteoarthritis.
All four finalists for Student Scientist of the Year are affiliated with UWA.
Shakara Liddelow-Hunt is a Wajarri person born in Boorloo and completing their PhD at UWA and The Kids. They are recognised as a national leader in research focused on the mental health and social and emotional wellbeing of Indigenous LGBTQA+ young people.
Stephanie Enkel, a PhD candidate at The Kids and UWA, is championing novel methods that are reframing how WA tackles preventable Strep A infections. Working alongside remote Aboriginal communities, her work prioritises lived experiences and elevates community voices.
Michael Dymock, a biostatistician and PhD student at UWA and The Kids, is developing innovative statistical methods to increase the efficiency of clinical research through better use of resources and faster translation to policy and practice.
Tammy Lee, a PhD Candidate at UWA and an embryologist at Fertility North, is using her PhD – focused on atypical appearances and behaviours of embryos – to improve embryo selection and IVF success rates. As an IVF-conceived baby herself, her passion for reproductive science is deeply personal.
Taleah Ugle, a Menang-Ballardong Noongar woman from Albany who is working towards a career in medicine, is a finalist for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEM Student of the Year. Currently completing a Bachelor of Science at UWA, with a double major in Anatomy and Human Biology and Indigenous Knowledge, History and Heritage, she is also an Aboriginal research assistant with the Healthy Skin team at The Kids.
Seadragon Search, led by UWA Research Fellow Dr Nerida Wilson, is a finalist for Science Engagement Initiative of the Year. The project combines community-driven science with computer vision and AI tools to fill critical knowledge gaps about wild seadragon populations and support evidence-based conservation. Its robust dataset led to reassessment of the weedy seadragon's status – now reclassified from 'Least Concern' to 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List.
The winners will be announced in November and will include a People's Choice award, voted by the public. Read more about the finalists and awards here, and vote for your favourite finalist here.
Pictured above, left to right: Professor Thomas Wernberg, Professor Charitha Pattiaratchi, Professor Jacqueline Batley.
