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Every year, we celebrate the science and scientists right here in WA, with the Premier’s Science Awards. They recognise outstanding achievements in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) across 11 categories, including the People’s Choice Award, in which you (yes, you!) get to have a say about your favourite scientist or science program from the year.
To vote, head to the People’s Choice Award page. Voting closes at 5pm AWST on Monday 10 November 2025. Get in quick!
Without further ado, let’s meet the finalists…
THE FINALISTS
38 scientists, students, educators and science programs have been named as finalists. Each of these people or programs are doing exceptional work in their field to push scientific boundaries or engage the next generation.
They represent the best of what WA’s science community has to offer.
Scientist of the Year
Professor Jacqueline Batley: University of Western Australia
Professor Charitha Pattiaratchi: University of Western Australia
Professor Thomas Wernberg: University of Western Australia
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientist of the Year
Professor Stephen John van Leeuwen: Curtin University
Professor Rhonda Marriott AM: Ngangk Yira Institute for Change, Murdoch University
Dr Jessica Buck: The Kids Research Institute Australia
Associate Professor Glenn Pearson: The Kids Research Institute Australia
Mid-Career Scientist of the Year
Professor Asha Bowen OAM: Perth Children’s Hospital and The Kids Research Institute Australia
Professor Nick Golding: The University of Western Australia and The Kids Research Institute Australia
Professor Cathryn Margaret Trott: Curtin University
Professor Gina Trapp: Edith Cowan University
Professor Sascha Schediwy: The University of Western Australia
Early Career Scientist of the Year
Dr Jessica Kretzmann: The University of Western Australia
Dr Ebenezer Afrifa-Yamoah: Edith Cowan University
Dr Kai Chen: The University of Western Australia
Dr Xiaomin Xu: Curtin University
Dr Liezhou Zhong: Edith Cowan University
Student Scientist of the Year
Mx Shakara Liddelow-Hunt: The University of Western Australia
Miss Stephanie Enkel: The University of Western Australia and The Kids Research Institute Australia
Mr Michael Dymock: The Kids Research Institute Australia
Ms Tammy Lee: The University of Western Australia and Fertility North
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEM Student of the Year
Taleah Ugle: The University of Western Australia
Mr Jared Williams: Central Queensland University
Government Science Project of the Year
Genetic Assessment for Conversation of Rare and Threatened Fauna: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Geochemically fingerprinting Western Australia’s next mineral discoveries: Geological Survey of Western Australia
WAMSI – Westport Marine Science Program: Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Emerging Drugs Network of Australia (EDNA): Royal Perth Hospital
STEM Educator of the Year (Schools)
Mr Nathan Curnow: Willetton Senior High School
Mr Stuart Carr: Applecross Senior High School
Dr Roslyn London: Balga Senior High School
Mr Christopher Lambe: Grandis Primary School
STEM Educator of the Year (Tertiary)
Dr Rina Wong (Fu): Curtin University
Dr Janene Sproul: Murdoch University
Science Engagement Initiative of the Year
Keep Carnaby’s Flying – Ngoolarks Forever: Murdoch University
The Broome STEM Festival: The Kids Research Institute Australia
Ngaparrtji Ngaparrtji – Two-way Science Program: Department of Education (WA) – Statewide Services Centre
The IGNIS Mission: Edith Cowan University
SeadragonSearch: The University of Western Australia
You can read the Premier’s entire press release about the Premier’s Science awards here.
Winners incoming…
Stay tuned for the Premier’s Science Awards ceremony and the announcement of the winners, Particle will be there to keep you in the loop!
