Awarded to an outstanding scientist who is within the first 5 years of completing their highest degree and 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, 5 finalists have been selected for the Early Career Scientist of the Year category:
Dr Ebenezer Afrifa-Yamoah
Edith Cowan University
Dr Ebenezer Afrifa-Yamoah, Statistician and Lecturer at ECU, pioneers "statistical translation" – transforming complex data challenges into practical solutions. Through extensive collaborations, his statistical methods span such diverse fields as marine conservation, healthcare, and agriculture.
His statistical innovations achieved 56% cost reduction in WA’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s recreational fisheries monitoring while developing robust low monitoring protocols. His chronic disease prediction frameworks now operate across eight countries, establishing new standards for non-invasive screening that could revolutionise early intervention strategies.
Through workshops, media engagement and industry partnerships, he positions WA as a world leader in statistical innovation.
Dr Jessica Kretzmann
The University of Western Australia
Establishing new research programs worldwide, Dr Jessica Kretzmann uses nanotechnology and ‘DNA origami’ to design materials for next-generation drug and gene therapeutics, and diagnostics. Based at The University of Western Australia, she is a 2025 ARC DECRA Fellow, a 2026 NHMRC Emerging Leader, a 2020 Alexander von Humboldt Fellow, 2021 Forrest Fellow and a 2023 WA Tall Poppy and WiTWA Rising Star.
Dr Kretzmann's breakthrough research has resulted in three international patents and a spin-off company. Through strategic conference leadership and extensive rural school outreach across WA, she builds a vibrant science culture while positioning Western Australia as a global biotechnology leader.
Dr Kai Chen
The University of Western Australia
Dr Kai Chen is an Australian Research Council Early Career Fellow at UWA, where he leads an interdisciplinary research team addressing incurable skeletal diseases such as bone cancer and osteoarthritis. Originally trained as an orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Chen transitioned into biomedical research, specialising in bone biology and molecular imaging. He has since established a first-of-its-kind imaging platform that enables the direct visualisation of how nutrients and medicines move through bone and marrow, in both health and disease.
These innovations are bridging long-standing knowledge gaps in the life sciences and advancing the development of new, targeted therapies for unmet clinical needs.
Dr Liezhou Zhong
Edith Cowan University
Dr Liezhou Zhong is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at ECU, where he leads cutting-edge research and development in 3D food printing, sustainable nutrition, and food innovation.
As founder of the Future Foods & Digital Gastronomy Lab, he develops real-world solutions to improve health and nutrition for people with special dietary needs, including aged care residents with chewing or swallowing difficulties and hospital patients.
He has also developed world-leading food composition databases and led international collaborations. His work has resulted in novel products, influenced aged care nutrition practices, informed international policies, reached diverse WA communities, including regional students, and received national awards for promoting STEM.
Dr Xiaomin Xu
Curtin University
Dr Xiaomin Xu from Curtin University holds an Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Research Award Fellowship. He is an interdisciplinary chemical engineer and materials scientist internationally recognised for advancing electrochemical technologies, enabling a sustainable energy future.
Dr Xu’s research focuses on developing low-cost materials and systems to convert renewable electricity into fuels and chemicals, and to store energy efficiently through next-generation battery technologies. These innovations address global decarbonisation challenges, supporting Western Australia’s priorities in clean energy and critical minerals.
A 2024 Highly Cited Researcher, Dr Xu is known for innovative research and partnering with WA industry.
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