The 25th Premier’s Science Awards mark a significant milestone in recognising scientific excellence across Western Australia. This year, The University of Western Australia has achieved a remarkable distinction, with 17 researchers named as finalists across multiple categories. These world-leading researchers represent the breadth and depth of scientific inquiry happening at UWA, spanning fields from Aboriginal mental health to astrophysics, marine ecology to precision medicine.
The Significance of the Premier’s Science Awards in Australia’s Research Landscape
Established a quarter-century ago, the Premier’s Science Awards have become one of Australia’s most respected recognitions for scientific achievement. The awards serve a dual purpose: they acknowledge individual and team accomplishments while simultaneously highlighting Western Australia’s contribution to global knowledge. For researchers at The University of Western Australia, these nominations reflect years of dedicated work addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges.
The 2026 finalists demonstrate how Australian research institutions are not merely participating in global scientific conversations but actively leading them. From developing novel cancer treatments for First Nations children to creating optical communication systems that can restore satellite links within minutes, these researchers are pushing boundaries that have tangible real-world impacts.
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Transforming Aboriginal Mental Health Through Indigenous-Led Research
Among the most impactful nominations this year are those addressing Aboriginal mental health—a critical area where The University of Western Australia has established genuine leadership. Three UWA-affiliated researchers are finalists for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientist of the Year, each bringing distinct but complementary approaches to improving health outcomes for Indigenous communities.
Professor Pat Dudgeon AM: Reframing Mental Health Through an Indigenous Lens
Professor Pat Dudgeon, Director of the Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention at UWA, has fundamentally challenged how mental health is understood and treated in Indigenous contexts. At a time when Indigenous suicide rates remain unacceptably high, her work has shifted the paradigm away from purely clinical interventions toward an inclusive social and emotional wellbeing model.
This approach recognises that mental health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples cannot be separated from connection to country, culture, community, and identity. Professor Dudgeon’s research has built an evidence base demonstrating that Indigenous-led solutions produce better outcomes than imposed external frameworks. Her influence extends beyond academia into policy, helping transform how services are designed and delivered to Aboriginal communities across Australia.
Associate Professor Glenn Pearson: Centring Communities in Health Research
Associate Professor Glenn Pearson’s nomination recognises his leadership in transforming how Aboriginal health research is conducted. His work addresses a fundamental issue: research about Aboriginal people has historically been done to them rather than with them. By championing culturally respectful methodologies that position Aboriginal people as genuine partners and leaders, he has helped establish new standards for community-engaged research.
As Director of First Nations Strategy and Leadership and Head of First Nations Health and Equity Research at The Kids Research Institute Australia, Associate Professor Pearson’s approach ensures that research questions, methods, and outcomes are shaped by the communities they intend to serve. This model produces findings that are not only scientifically rigorous but also practically relevant and culturally appropriate.
Dr Jessica Buck: Closing the Gap in Childhood Cancer Outcomes
Dr Jessica Buck, a Kamilaroi woman and cancer research scientist, represents the emerging generation of First Nations researchers making world-leading contributions. Her research program focuses on improving outcomes for First Nations children with cancer—a population that has historically experienced disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and survival.
What distinguishes Dr Buck’s work is her integration of cutting-edge cancer science with First Nations ways of knowing. This synthesis produces approaches that are scientifically sophisticated while remaining culturally safe and responsive. Her research at the WA Comprehensive Kids Cancer Centre is directly contributing to closing the gap in childhood cancer outcomes, demonstrating how Indigenous knowledge systems can enhance rather than replace Western scientific methods.
Marine Science and Environmental Research at UWA
The University of Western Australia’s location provides unique advantages for marine and environmental research, and this year’s finalists showcase how UWA researchers are leveraging this position to address global environmental challenges.
Professor Thomas Wernberg: Defining and Protecting the Great Southern Reef
Professor Thomas Wernberg, a finalist for Scientist of the Year, has fundamentally changed how scientists and the public understand Australia’s southern marine ecosystems. His research on kelp forests revealed their critical importance as habitat, carbon sinks, and economic resources—functions that were previously underappreciated compared to tropical coral reefs.
Perhaps his most significant contribution has been creating an identity for The Great Southern Reef, the interconnected kelp forest system stretching along Australia’s southern coastline. By naming and describing this ecosystem, Professor Wernberg has given it visibility in conservation discussions and public consciousness. His documentation of the devastating 2011 marine heatwave in Western Australia provided crucial evidence of how climate change threatens these systems, informing both scientific understanding and policy responses.
Rebecca Blake: Engineering Materials for a Sustainable Future
Student Scientist of the Year finalist Rebecca Blake is working at the intersection of chemistry, physics, and engineering to develop materials essential for addressing climate change. Her research into how advanced materials respond to extreme pressure has practical applications in carbon capture, renewable energy storage, and sustainable catalysis.
By uncovering the molecular structures of underexplored porous frameworks, Blake’s work accelerates the design of next-generation materials. Her research positions Western Australia at the forefront of stimuli-responsive material science—a field that will be crucial as the world transitions to decarbonised energy systems.
Interested in contributing to cutting-edge environmental research? Explore our related articles for further reading on sustainability science and marine ecology.
Medical Research and Clinical Innovation
The University of Western Australia’s medical researchers continue to translate laboratory discoveries into clinical applications that improve patient outcomes. Several finalists this year exemplify this translational approach.
Professor Andrew Whitehouse: Reshaping Autism Care Globally
Professor Andrew Whitehouse, the Angela Wright Bennett Chair of Autism Research, is recognised for research that has directly changed how autism is identified and treated. His work has informed National Clinical Guidelines and pioneered evidence-based interventions now used worldwide.
The significance of Professor Whitehouse’s contribution lies in moving autism care toward earlier identification and intervention, based on rigorous evidence rather than anecdote or tradition. His research at The Kids Research Institute Australia has demonstrated that appropriate early support can substantially improve outcomes for autistic children and their families—a finding with profound implications for healthcare systems globally.
Advances in Cancer Treatment and Infectious Disease
Professor Chan Cheah’s work in lymphoma treatment has directly improved care for Western Australians through his research enabling access to novel immunotherapies via the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. By making these treatments affordable and accessible, his work has extended and improved lives across Australia. His clinical trials have given more than 1,000 patients early access to new therapies.
Associate Professor Lea-Ann Kirkham’s research bridges infectious disease science and public health policy. Her work has influenced vaccination policy and led to the development of Spritz-OM, a first-in-class nasal therapy designed to prevent childhood ear infections—a common condition that can have lasting impacts on development if untreated.
Astrophysics, Space Technology, and National Security
The University of Western Australia’s strength in space science is well represented among this year’s finalists, with researchers contributing to both fundamental understanding and practical applications.
Professor Sascha Schediwy: From Laboratory Lasers to Space Communications
Professor Sascha Schediwy’s career exemplifies how fundamental research can lead to unexpected practical applications. His work taking laser timing and communications from controlled laboratory environments through Earth’s turbulent atmosphere into space has positioned Australia at the forefront of optical communications technology.
As leader of the TeraNet optical ground station network and the Square Kilometre Array telescope’s timing system, Professor Schediwy’s work has implications extending beyond astronomy into national security. The sovereign optical technologies his teams are developing enhance Australia’s capabilities in an increasingly contested domain.
Early Career Excellence in Fundamental Physics
Dr Fiona Panther, a finalist for Early Career Scientist of the Year, has contributed to resolving some of astrophysics’ most persistent puzzles. Her work on the origin of antimatter in our galaxy and real-time detection of gravitational waves from colliding black holes and neutron stars represents fundamental physics at its most ambitious.
Simultaneously, Dr Panther has helped transform the Zadko Observatory into a space situational awareness hub—a practical application of astronomical infrastructure that contributes to tracking objects in orbit and protecting space-based assets.
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Emerging Talent: Student Researchers Shaping Tomorrow
The Premier’s Science Awards recognise talent at all career stages, and this year’s student finalists demonstrate the strength of research training at The University of Western Australia.
Bradley Roberts is addressing the persistent problem of trial-and-error prescribing in youth mental health through precision psychiatry. His pharmacogenetic research aims to match young people with depression to the most effective antidepressants based on their genetic profiles—a shift that could reduce suffering and improve outcomes.
Michael Dymock’s biostatistics research may be less visible to the public but is equally important. By developing more efficient clinical trial methodologies, his work accelerates the translation of research into clinical practice, potentially reducing the time and cost of bringing new treatments to patients.
Ayden McCann’s optical communications research has produced tangible outcomes including the world’s first vehicle-based laser communications station and an optical drone detection system now backed by government funding. His work demonstrates how doctoral research can have immediate practical applications.
Indigenous Leadership in STEM Education and Practice
The presence of Indigenous researchers and students among the finalists reflects The University of Western Australia’s commitment to supporting First Nations participation in STEM fields.
Alaxandrea O’Brien, an Environmental Engineering student, combines technical excellence with cultural leadership. As founder and President of UWA MOBS, she has created structures supporting First Nations students in engineering. Her industry placements have contributed to renewable energy design and sustainable development projects.
Jasmin Bentink’s work in environmental science exemplifies how Indigenous knowledge can enhance Western scientific approaches. Her research on marine ecosystems and land management integrates Indigenous perspectives, building stronger connections between communities, industry, and science.
The Broader Impact of Research Excellence
The concentration of UWA researchers among this year’s Premier’s Science Awards finalists reflects more than individual achievement. It indicates an institutional environment that supports world-leading research across diverse fields—a capacity that benefits Western Australia and the nation.
Research excellence creates economic benefits through innovation, improves health outcomes through medical advances, protects the environment through better understanding, and strengthens social cohesion through inclusive approaches like those championed by the Aboriginal mental health researchers. When 17 researchers from a single institution reach the finals of a state’s premier science awards, it signals sustained investment in research infrastructure, talent development, and institutional culture.
The 25th Premier’s Science Awards remind us that scientific progress depends on sustained support for researchers at all career stages—from emerging students to established professors. The work of these finalists will continue to shape knowledge and practice long after the awards ceremony, contributing to Australia’s position as a nation capable of addressing complex challenges through rigorous, innovative research.
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