The Scientist of the Year category recognises world class scientists who have demonstrated excellence in a field of science, scientific research or technological advancement and has been active in the field, particularly in the past 10 years.
Now in its 22nd 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 chosen for the Scientist of the Year category:
Professor Amanda Devine
Edith Cowan University
Professor Amanda Devine’s findings from 33 years of public health nutrition and clinical trial research has significantly contributed to improving health outcomes for communities. New nutrition science has informed clinical practice, food and nutrition literacy interventions and transformational games for school children and has shared knowledge through cookbooks and websites to health professionals and community.
Through her commitment to the next generation of public health leaders, Professor Devine has trained numerous students and mentored junior researchers to build the capability and capacity to secure healthy food environments for all to ensure a healthy future across metropolitan and regional WA.
Professor Wendy Erber
The University of Western Australia and PathWest
Wendy Erber (Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UWA; Haematologist, PathWest) is a researcher and specialist haematologist. She divides her time between diagnosing patients with blood disorders, advancing science, teaching, and training researchers and haematologists. Her research focusses on discovering the genetic basis of blood diseases, and inventing tests to improve patient care.
Professor Erber’s excellence has been recognised by Fellowship of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, awards (Eureka prize; Cancer Council WA Researcher of the Year; University of Sydney Award for Professional Achievement (2021), and invited lectureships. She has had 200 articles, 4 books and 20 chapters published.
Professor John Mamo
Curtin University
Professor John Mamo, Director of the Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, was hailed a "WA unsung hero" by The West Australian. For 35 years, he has diligently pursued new treatment avenues for Australians afflicted with debilitating neurological and metabolic disorders. This includes presently, leading three clinical research trials targeting Alzheimer's, migraine and Multiple Sclerosis.
Professor Mamo’s studies have potential global impact to reduce the significant burden experienced by sufferers. His groundbreaking and transformative research garnered him the prestigious Marshall and Warren Award from the National Health and Medical Research Council and in 2022, he was nominated for the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters’ Kavli Prize in Neurosciences.
Hackett Professor Kadambot Siddique AM
The University of Western Australia
Hackett Professor Kadambot Siddique AM, FTSE, CitWA, Director, The UWA Institute of Agriculture, is a renowned agricultural scientist, having dedicated more than 35 years to research, training, technology exchange and industry development.
He has worked closely with industry to significantly improve cereal and grain legume production in dryland environments, with his leadership and collaboration resulting in new crop varieties and agronomic packages for grain growers. He is an outstanding ambassador for WA, promoting sustainable agriculture and addressing global food security. His world-class research is evident through numerous publications, fellowships, awards and numerous highly cited papers.
Professor Siddique has been listed in two categories on the Clarivate List of Highly Cited Researchers and has been recognised in The Australian newspaper’s Research Magazine as a “Top Researcher” Australia in Botany (2021 & 2022).
Professor Andrew Whitehouse
Telethon Kids Institute
Professor Andrew Whitehouse, the Bennett Professor of Autism Research at Telethon Kids Institute and The University of Western Australia, is an international research leader in the area of autism. His research has had a transformative impact on health and medical sciences in Australia, with significant contributions to policy reform, the advance of scientific knowledge, the development of research infrastructure, mentorship, and public understanding of science.
Professor Whitehouse’s research has been recognised with a Eureka Prize, and he is the youngest person ever to be elected to the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences. Professor Whitehouse is also the 2023 Western Australian of the Year for the Professions category.
