WA's best minds named finalists at 2026 Premier's Science Awards

The Cook Labor Government is celebrating Western Australia's scientists and innovators with the finalists named for the 2026 Premier's Science Awards.
  • Finalists for the 2026 Premier's Science Awards revealed
  • Voting now open for the People's Choice Award
  • Science community helping keep Western Australia's economy strongest in the nation

The Cook Labor Government is celebrating Western Australia's scientists and innovators with the finalists named for the 2026 Premier's Science Awards.

With this year marking the awards' 25th anniversary, the Premier's Science Awards recognises excellence in scientific research, education, and engagement, and plays an important role in the Cook Labor Government's efforts to raise the profile of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in Western Australia.

This year, winners will share in a $140,000 prize pool, including a $50,000 award for the Scientist of the Year in recognition of their outstanding scientific achievement.

Finalists and winners are important ambassadors for STEM and serve as role models for the broader community, helping to inspire the next generation of Western Australian scientists and innovators.

Community members also can participate in the awards by voting for their preferred finalist for the People's Choice Award.

Online voting is now open and will close on Monday, 7 September 2026.

Winners of the 2026 Premier's Science Awards will be announced at a ceremony at Crown Perth on 21 September 2026. The event will also be livestreamed online.

The Awards are proudly supported by:

  • Gold Sponsors: Shell Australia, Woodside Energy;
  • Silver Sponsor: DUG;
  • Bronze Sponsors: BioCina, CSIRO, Fogarty Foundation, Orthocell;
  • University Sponsors: Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, The University of Western Australia;
  • Sector Sponsor: The Kids Research Institute Australia;
  • Community Partner: Scitech; and
  • Media Partner: The West Australian.

For more information and to vote for the People's Choice Award, see: www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-energy-and-economic-diversification/premiers-science-awards

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

"The Premier's Science Awards recognise Western Australia's brightest minds, who are already playing 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 finalists for their outstanding achievements and commitment to advancing science here in WA and wish them best ahead of the awards."

Comments attributed to Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson:

"Western Australia is home to some of the nation's most talented and inspiring scientists and researchers.

"This year marks a significant milestone for the Premier's Science Awards, celebrating 25 years of recognising and promoting STEM excellence in Western Australia.

"The People's Choice Award, now in its third year, has become a popular addition to the awards night. I encourage everyone to head online and vote for who they want to take home this coveted prize."

Full list of 2026 Premier's Science Awards Finalists:

Award

Finalists

Scientist of the Year
  • John Curtin Distinguished Professor Penelope Hasking 
  • ARC Laureate Professor Thomas Wernberg 
  • Professor Andrew Whitehouse 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientist of the Year
  • Dr Jessica Buck 
  • Professor Pat Dudgeon AM 
  • Associate Professor Glenn Pearson 

Mid-Career Scientist of the Year
  • Professor Chan Cheah 
  • Associate Professor Lea-Ann Kirkham  
  • Professor Gavin Pereira  
  • Professor Sascha Schediwy 
  • Professor Desiree Silva 

Early Career Scientist of the Year
  • Dr Eleanor Dunlop 
  • Associate Professor Myles Murphy 
  • Dr Kiam Padamsey 
  • Dr Fiona Panther 
  • Dr Kit Prendergast  

Student Scientist of the Year
  • Rebecca Blake  
  • Michael Dymock 
  • Ayden McCann 
  • Bradley Roberts  
  • Nicole Said 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEM Student of the Year
  • Jasmin Bentink  
  • Alaxandrea O'Brien 
  • Jared Williams 

Government Science Project of the Year
  • Developing biotechnology tools to conserve our threatened plant species, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
  • Western Australian Climate Science Initiative: high-resolution climate projections for WA, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation
  • Western Australian Wastewater Surveillance Program, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA

STEM Educator of the Year - Schools (Primary and Secondary)
  • Rebecca Knight  
  • Dr Roslyn London  
  • Timothy Rowberry 

STEM Educator of the Year - Tertiary (University or Registered Training Organisation)
  • Associate Professor Alison Blyth  
  • Professor Marco Ghisalberti 
  • Dr Katrina O'Mara 
  • Dr Neha Umaretiya 
  • Yvette Vos 

Science Engagement Initiative of the Year
  • BinarX Future Workforce Development Program, Curtin University
  • CSIRO Living STEM, CSIRO
  • Miyawaki Forest Outreach Program, Murdoch University
  • Turtle Conservation and Communities on Country, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions