Professor Nalini Joshi AO from the University of Sydney has been recognised as the NSW Scientist of the Year in the 2025 Premier's Prizes for Science & Engineering.
Professor Joshi is one of 10 exceptional researchers, innovators and educators honoured at the Premier's Prizes for Science & Engineering, held at Government House Sydney.
Professor Joshi's selection as Scientist of the Year is in recognition of her world-leading work in mathematics. Her transformational mathematical approaches have been applied to reveal real-world phenomena, including how light signals travel in optical fibres and the formation of large and unpredictable surface waves called rogue waves in deep water.
These findings can be used to model how complex systems change over time, with practical applications across weather, climate, ocean waves and tides. They can also be used to show how signals travel, interact and degrade, with significant uses in the development of fibre-optic communications.
Professor Joshi will receive a trophy and $60,000 in prize money for her work.
Nine category winners were also announced last night, each receiving a trophy and $5,000:
- Excellence in Mathematics, Earth Sciences, Chemistry or Physics Professor Anita Ho-Baillie, the University of Sydney
- Excellence in Biological Sciences (Ecological, environmental, agricultural and organismal) Distinguished Professor Brajesh Singh, Western Sydney University
- Excellence in Medical Biological Sciences (Cell and molecular, medical, veterinary and genetics) Scientia Professor Kaarin Anstey, UNSW Sydney
- Excellence in Engineering or Information and Communications Technology Distinguished Professor Vivian Tam, Western Sydney University
- NSW Early Career Researcher of the Year (Biological Sciences) Dr Jennifer Matthews, University of Technology Sydney
- NSW Early Career Researcher of the Year (Physical Sciences) Dr Felix Rizzuto, UNSW Sydney
- Leadership in Innovation in NSW Professor Paul Keall, the University of Sydney
- Innovation in NSW Public Sector Science and Engineering Dr Brad Law, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
- Innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematic Teaching in NSW Mr Ryland O'Connell, Hastings Secondary School, Port Macquarie
Full details of all winners can be found at: https://www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/events/nsw-premiers-prizes-for-science-and-engineering
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
"Professor Joshi's groundbreaking work helps us make sense of nature's big mysteries.
"Her research is also working to unlock solutions to complex technological challenges.
"Importantly, in addition to her academic excellence, she is also a role model supporting of our next generation of mathematicians."
Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:
"Our state boasts a research and innovation sector that is the envy of the world. These awards are the NSW Government's chance to recognise the best of the best.
"Importantly, the fine work of those who we saluted last night is being translated into real-world solutions in areas as diverse as space, construction and agriculture.
"I thank our winners for their contributions to the health, social, economic and environmental benefit of NSW."
2025 NSW Scientist of the Year Professor Nalini Joshi said:
"I am deeply honoured and humbled to be recognised as NSW Scientist of the Year.
"This award is a recognition of the power of the mathematical tools that my collaborators and I have been developing to shine clearer light on the questions of science, particularly the ones that have elusive information hidden within nonlinear models.
"I want to reach out to all the young people who may be daunted by the future and say that it is possible to find answers to questions about the universe by shining the clear light of mathematics on them.
"It is wonderful for me and the amazingly talented people who work with me to be recognised in this way in the company of the brilliant scientists we have in NSW."
NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte said:
"Another year, another extraordinary cohort of research and educational excellence. Last night, we saluted leading work in dementia risk reduction, detection and treatment of stress responses in coral reefs, and technology that has improved the lives of literally millions of cancer patients, to name just three areas.
"We acknowledge the career achievements of senior academics and we welcome the impressive innovations of our best new researchers.
"My congratulations to all honoured last night, and especially to the 2025 Scientist of the Year, Professor Nalini Joshi for her highly impactful work in the field of mathematics."
