Awarded to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scientist who has demonstrated excellence in a field of science, scientific research or technological advancement
Now in its 24th year, the Premier's Science Awards recognises and celebrates the outstanding scientific research and engagement taking place in Western Australia.
This year, 4 finalists have been chosen for the Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander Scientist of the Year category:
Associate Professor Glenn Pearson
The Kids Research Institute Australia
Associate Professor Glenn Pearson is a Nyoongar and the Director of First Nations Strategy and Leadership, Head of First Nations Health and Equity Theme, co-team lead for the Strep-A Translation Team at The Kids and is an Associate Professor at The University of Western Australia. He has led the integration of Aboriginal health across all of the Institute’s research programs with the expectation that the health of Aboriginal kids is everyone’s business. His work involves ensuring that all researchers adopt robust and culturally-respectful processes, where Aboriginal people are not just considered in research but are drivers and leaders of the research affecting them and their families.
He is an investigator for the Australian Alliance for Indigenous Genomics (ALIGN) and the Western Australian Aboriginal Child Health Survey (WAACHS), as well as the Indigenous lead of the Australia Strep A Vaccine Alliance (ASAVI) among a broader range of Strep A/RHD research projects.
Dr Jessica Buck
The Kids Research Institute Australia
Dr Jessica Buck is a Kamilaroi woman and cancer research scientist. Using her background in neuroscience and cancer research, she leads the First Nations Childhood Cancer Research team at The Kids Research Institute Australia. Dr Buck’s world-first research program aims to Close the Gap in outcomes for First Nations children with cancer.
By combining her knowledge of cancer biology with an understanding of health through a First Nations lens, her research program sets the foundation for improved survival, quality of life, and culturally safe care for children with cancer.
Professor Rhonda Marriott AM
Murdoch University
Professor Rhonda Marriott AM, Inaugural Pro Vice Chancellor of the Ngangk Yira Institute for Change at Murdoch University, is a nationally and internationally recognised leader in Aboriginal health research. Matrilineally descended from Nyikina people of the Kimberley and with over 50 years in nursing and 30 years in midwifery, she has pioneered culturally safe maternal and early childhood health models, notably through the Birthing on Noongar Boodjar Project. Her work has transformed policy and practice in Western Australia, advancing equity and outcomes for Aboriginal families.
Professor Marriott’s leadership, collaboration, and ambassadorship have built enduring partnerships, inspired systemic change and established the Ngangk Yira Institute for Change.
Professor Stephen John van Leeuwen
Curtin University
Professor Stephen van Leeuwen is a proud Wardandi Noongar leader and distinguished biodiversity and environmental scientist at Curtin University, where he holds the position of BHP Curtin Indigenous Chair of Biodiversity and Environmental Science. Stephen’s deep cultural heritage informs his lifelong dedication to biodiversity conservation and Indigenous stewardship of Country.
With 40+ years of experience in biodiversity research, natural resource management, environmental policy, and stakeholder engagement, Stephen has been instrumental in integrating Western science with Indigenous Knowledge to foster holistic approaches to biodiversity conservation, ensuring sustainable and culturally respectful stewardship of Country.
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