The University of Western Australia’s Rising Stars initiative is a flagship research competition where early-career researchers take the stage to showcase transformative ideas and inspire community support for making a lasting impact.
Since its inception in 2015, Rising Stars has been a community-funded event that provides a critical platform for early-career researchers to make short and impactful pitches to a voting audience.
Previous projects ranged from dark matter to microbiology, archaeology to nano particles, and deep space to physics.
At the recent Rising Stars event on Thursday 29 May, early-career researchers took us on a journey, from kelp forests to Australia’s drylands, plastics in our bodies to mobile dental care for rural communities, and mapping metabolisms. Presenters were, respectively, Dr Albert Pessarrodona, Dr Qiaoyun Xie, Dr Jilen Patel, Dr Michaela Lucas and Dr Kai Chen.
Image (left to right): Dr Qiaoyun Xie, Dr Michaela Lucas, Dr Albert Pessarrodona, Dr Jilen Patel and Dr Kai Chen.
Over the years, Rising Stars has empowered 85 brilliant early-career researchers, 21 of whom became prize recipients, and many of whom have gone on to make significant contributions in their fields, demonstrating the critical role that early support plays in research careers.
Dr Tristan Clemons, winner of Rising Stars 2016, is testament to the impact of this program.
“I was truly fortunate to have been supported as an early career researcher from philanthropic funds, including the Rising Stars fund,” he said.
The support has allowed Dr Clemons to continue to advance his research on polymeric biomaterials – the very topic he pitched during the competition almost a decade ago.
“Without that support, who knows if I would be in the position I’m in now, leading a biomaterials lab in the US – truly a dream come true!” he said.
Building on the success of Rising Stars, and to underscore the University’s commitment to fostering a strong research pipeline, the program has expanded beyond its original focus on physical and natural sciences to welcome early-career researchers from across UWA’s wide array of disciplines, showcasing the full spectrum of UWA research talent.
This year, Rising Stars 2025 marks a pivotal shift.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Rising Stars has evolved under the banner of UWA’s Philanthropy Academy to embrace a bold, new, live crowdfunding format, in partnership with The Funding Network. This revitalised approach offers a fresh take on the event, allowing greater engagement between early-career researchers and supporters through a dynamic, collective giving platform.
As UWA continues to provide groundbreaking pathways for emerging researchers to learn, grow, and thrive, Rising Stars demonstrates the power of tangible support and belief in driving change.
“We are deeply grateful to our supporters and donors,” said Professor Anna Nowak, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research). “The success of this year’s Rising Stars event highlights the powerful intersection of philanthropy meeting possibility.”
“The $60,600 raised helps break down barriers that emerging researchers face and brings visionary ideas to life.”
Thanks to the generosity of our community, through philanthropic contributions offered at Rising Stars 2025, these exceptional talents are empowered to champion innovation, accelerate discovery, and equip the next generation of research pioneers with the tools to pursue bold, transformative ideas, benefiting Western Australia and beyond.
The world’s next medical breakthrough, climate solution or technological advancement could be in the hands of a UWA early-career researcher today.
If you are interested in supporting any of the research programs presented at the UWA Rising Stars 2025, please contact Anahit Galstyan, Development Manager at [email protected] or (08) 64883785, or click here to donate.
We would also like to acknowledge and thank UniSuper for their support in the success of this event.