About
The Scientist of the Year award recognises a world class scientist who, over the past 10 years, has demonstrated excellence in a field of science, scientific research or technological advancement
Now in its 25th year, the Premier's Science Awards recognises and celebrates the outstanding scientific research and engagement taking place in Western Australia.
Meet our finalists
In 2026, three finalists have been selected for the Scientist of the Year category:
John Curtin Distinguished Professor Penelope Hasking
Curtin University
Professor Penelope Hasking is transforming how Australia responds to non-suicidal self-injury and suicide among young people. Suicide is the leading cause of death among young Australians. Her research has shown that our approaches to these issues need to change. So, she created programs to support students at Curtin University and then took them national and globally – training mentors, counsellors, emergency nurses, teachers and others, and guiding policy change. The data shows her work is changing and saving lives. She is a John Curtin Distinguished Professor and Stan Perron Fellow in Curtin University’s School of Population Health.
ARC Laureate Professor Thomas Wernberg
The University of Western Australia
Professor Thomas Wernberg is a marine ecologist and Laureate Fellow who leads a large internationally recognised research laboratory at UWA. He has transformed our understanding of the critical socio-economic importance of kelp forests and how marine heatwaves impact species and ecosystem services. Wernberg created an identity for ‘The Great Southern Reef’, uncovering the unique marine ecosystem along Australia’s south coast. He exposed the devastating long-term impacts of WA’s 2011 extreme marine heatwave, and his research provides essential support to local start-up companies focused on restoration, blue carbon and seaweed products as nature-based solutions to minimise the human footprint in ecosystems.
Professor Andrew Whitehouse
The Kids Research Institute Australia
Professor Andrew Whitehouse has transformed autism care through internationally recognised research that has reshaped understanding, diagnosis, and clinical support for autistic children. Over two decades, he has pioneered early intervention approaches implemented globally and led the development of National Clinical Guidelines. Today, autistic children are identified earlier and receive more effective support in large part due to his research. Andrew is a prominent science communicator, which has amplified the impact of his research and science more broadly. He is the Angela Wright Bennett Chair of Autism Research, Deputy Executive Director at The Kids Research Institute Australia, and Director of CliniKids.
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