- Winners named for the 24th Premier's Science Awards
- State Government recognises the most innovative minds in Western Australia's scientific community
- Professor Peter Klinken AC inducted into WA Science Hall of Fame
Western Australia's brightest and most innovative minds have been recognised at the 24th Premier's Science Awards.
Panels of independent experts assessed applications to select the finalists and winners across a range of categories, including Scientist of the Year, which this year was awarded to Professor Jacqueline Batley.
Professor Batley was recognised for research that has made significant contributions to understanding plant-pathogen interactions and the role of genome diversity in disease resistance for important crops, like canola.
Professor Rhonda Marriott AM, a leader in Aboriginal health research, and Professor Stephen John van Leeuwen, a pioneer in integrating Indigenous and Western science in biodiversity conservation, were celebrated as joint winners of the inaugural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientist of the Year category.
Professor Charitha Pattiaratchi was the winner of the People's Choice Award, which attracted 7,880 votes from the scientific community.
Former Chief Scientist and renowned medical researcher Professor Peter Klinken AC was inducted into the WA Science Hall of Fame, recognising his leadership and lifelong contribution to advancing science and improving lives in WA.
The 2025 Premier's Science Awards are proudly sponsored by gold sponsors BioCina, Shell Australia, and Woodside Energy; silver sponsor DUG Technology; and bronze sponsors CSIRO, Fogarty Foundation, Orthocell, and Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre.
The awards are also supported by Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, The University of Western Australia, The Kids Research Institute Australia, Scitech, Western Australian Museum, and The West Australian.
For more information and a complete list of winners, visit: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-energy-and-economic-diversification/premiers-science-awards .
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"The Premier's Science Awards recognise Western Australia's brightest minds, who will play a big role in driving innovation and our State's economic future.
"Supporting these outstanding individuals is key to my government's priority of diversifying the State's economy so that it can remain strong well into the future.
"I'd like to congratulate this year's winners and finalists for their outstanding achievements and commitment to advancing science here in WA."
As stated by Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Science and innovation are at the heart of Western Australia's growth, helping us respond to global challenges and create new opportunities for industry and the community.
"The Premier's Science Awards showcase the depth of talent in WA's research sector, from early career scientists through to world-leading experts.
"The Cook Government's commitment to growing innovation ensures we remain at the forefront of research, driving job creation, and enhancing the quality of life for communities across the State."
