- Two Western Australian scientists have won awards at the 2025 Prime Minister's Prizes for Science
- The annual awards presentation was held at Parliament House in Canberra on Monday, 3 November
- This was the first year a Prime Minister's Prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems was awarded
Western Australia has made a big impact at this year's Prime Minister's Prizes for Science with WA locals taking home two of the eight big awards and $300,000.
Professor Michael Wear was awarded the inaugural Prime Minister's Prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems along with $250,000 for his work with Tidal Moon.
Tidal Moon is the country's first Indigenous-owned and led sea cucumber fishery and marine restoration enterprise.
Professor Wear received the prize by developing a model which improves Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's livelihoods through the practice of Aboriginal knowledges for Sea Country conservation and sustainable commercial practices.
Co-founder of WA-based companies VeinTech and Lubdub Technologies Dr Nikhilesh Bappoo received the 2025 Prize for New Innovators and $50,000.
VeinTech uses ultrasound technology to allow healthcare professionals to locate veins more accurately. It was recognised locally at the 2021 WA Innovators of the Year Awards and supported under the Western Australian Government's New Industries Fund.
While at Lubdub Technologies, Dr Bappoo and his co-founders designed a 'heart health in a box' which combines data from three critical heart functions tests. This includes tracking a heart's rhythm, detecting key cardio biomarkers, and real-time heart imaging.
Through the WA Government's Future Health Research and Innovation Fund, more than $1.68 million in funding has been provided to support Dr Bappoo and his teams at VeinTech and Lubdub Technologies as they have advanced from early-stage ideas to nationally recognised innovations.
Dr Bappoo was also winner of the student category at the 2022 Premier's Science Awards.
As stated by Science and Innovation and Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Once again Western Australia is punching above its weight on the national stage with two of the eight major awards at the Prime Minister's Prizes for Science going to locals from our great State.
"The work being undertaken by Professor Wear and Dr Bappoo are well deserving of national recognition. Their innovations are working to change lives and helping to make our natural environments thrive.
"The Cook Government remains committed to supporting science and innovation in WA, investing in research infrastructure, STEM education, and creating partnerships that help our brightest thinkers to thrive.
"It is a fantastic achievement which both should be proud of, I look forward to what comes next with each of their endeavours."
