The 2025 Premier’s Science Awards (PSA) winners have been announced, celebrating the diverse and real-world impact of scientific research putting Western Australia (WA) on the global science stage.
Now in its 24th year, the PSA continues to shine a spotlight on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and the people driving scientific progress across the State.
"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," said Premier Roger Cook.
WA’s former Chief Scientist and renowned medical researcher, Professor Peter Klinken AC was inducted into the Western Australian Science Hall of Fame. Professor Klinken was celebrated for his leadership and life-long contributions to progressing science and improving lives in WA.
There were 13 outstanding winners of the Premier’s Science Awards announced across 11 categories including the People’s Choice Award category. Winners were selected by independent expert panels.
A total prize pool of $140,000 was awarded, comprising $50,000 for the Scientist of the Year and $10,000 for each of the other nine category winners.
Congratulations to our 2025 winners:
- Scientist of the Year: Professor Jacqueline Batley, The University of Western Australia.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientist of the Year: Professor Rhonda Marriott AM, Murdoch University and Professor Stephen van Leeuwen, Curtin University.
- Mid-Career Scientist of the Year: Professor Asha Bowen OAM, Perth Children’s Hospital, The Kids Research Institute Australia and The University of Western Australia.
- Early Career Scientist of the Year: Dr Jessica Kretzman, The University of Western Australia.
- Student Scientist of the Year: Shakara Liddelow-Hunt, The University of Western Australia and The Kids Research Institute Australia.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEM Student of the Year, Taleah Ugle, The University of Western Australia and The Kids Research Institute Australia.
- Government Science Project of the Year: Genetic Assessment for Conservation of Rare and Threatened Fauna, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and Geochemically Fingerprinting Western Australia’s Next Mineral Discoveries, Geological Survey of Western Australia – Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration.
- STEM Educator of the Year – Schools: Nathan Curnow, Willetton Senior High School.
- STEM Educator of the Year – Tertiary: Dr Rina Wong (Fu), Curtin University.
- Science Engagement Initiative of the Year: Keep Carnaby's Flying – Ngoolarks Forever, Murdoch University.
- People's Choice Award: Professor Charitha Pattiaratchi, The University of Western Australia.
For the second consecutive year, members of the public were invited to take part by voting in the People’s Choice Award. A total of 7,880 members of the community voted for their favourite scientist, educator or project from the field of 38 finalists in the People’s Choice Award. Professor Charitha Pattiaratchi was the winner of the People's Choice Award.
"I'd like to congratulate this year's winners and finalists for their outstanding achievements and commitment to advancing science here 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 and The University of Western Australia; The Kids Research Institute Australia; Scitech and the Western Australian Museum; and The West Australian.
Learn more about the 2025 Premier Science Awards Winners.
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