Globally influential researchers in Aboriginal mental health, astrophysics, autism and marine science are among 17 researchers affiliated with The University of Western Australia to be named finalists in the 2026 Premier’s Science Awards.
The awards, which this year celebrate 25 years, recognise and celebrate the outstanding scientific research, teaching and engagement taking place in WA.
Two UWA researchers are finalists for Scientist of the Year:
Marine ecologist and ARC Laureate Professor Thomas Wernberg, from UWA’s School of Biological Sciences and UWA Oceans Institute, has transformed our understanding of the critical importance of kelp forests, and how climate change and marine heatwaves impact species and ecosystem services globally. He created an identity for The Great Southern Reef, uncovering the unique marine ecosystem along Australia’s south coast, and exposed the devastating long-term impacts of WA’s 2011 extreme marine heatwave.
Angela Wright Bennett Chair of Autism Research Professor Andrew Whitehouse, from UWA’s Medical School and The Kids Research Institute Australia, has transformed autism care through internationally recognised research that has reshaped early identification and informed National Clinical Guidelines. He has pioneered evidence-based interventions that are improving outcomes for autistic children and their families worldwide.
The three finalists in the category of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientist of the Year are:
Professor Pat Dudgeon AM, Director of the Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention at UWA, has successfully challenged the dominant clinical view of mental health at a critical time when Indigenous suicide is increasing, building an evidence base for an Indigenous approach to psychology. Her work has helped ensure the wide acceptance of the inclusive social and emotional wellbeing model, transforming services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Associate Professor Glenn Pearson, Director of First Nations Strategy and Leadership and Head of First Nations Health and Equity Research at The Kids and an Associate Professor at UWA, has been recognised for his leadership in transforming how Aboriginal health research is undertaken. By championing culturally respectful approaches that place Aboriginal people at the centre of research, he has helped ensure communities are genuine partners and leaders in research that affects them.
Dr Jessica Buck is a Kamilaroi woman and cancer research scientist from UWA’s Medical School, The Kids and the WA Comprehensive Kids Cancer Centre whose world-first research program is improving outcomes for First Nations children with cancer. She is combining cutting-edge cancer research with First Nations ways of knowing to help Close the Gap in childhood cancer outcomes through more culturally safe care and improved survival.
Four UWA researchers are finalists for Mid-Career Scientist of the Year:
Professor Sascha Schediwy, from the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research at UWA, is an internationally recognised research leader working at the frontier of astronomy, space and national security. He has spent his career taking laser timing and communications out of the laboratory, through Earth's turbulent atmosphere and into space. He leads the teams building the TeraNet optical ground station network, the Square Kilometre Array telescope's timing system and sovereign optical technologies that enhance Australia’s national security.
Professor Chan Cheah, from UWA’s Medical School and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, is a haematologist who has improved care for Western Australians with lymphoma. His research has enabled access to novel immunotherapies via the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, making them affordable and accessible to patients across Australia; and he has given more than 1,000 patients early access to new therapies through clinical trials, helping them live longer and better.
Associate Professor Lea-Ann Kirkham, from UWA’s Medical School and the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases at The Kids, is translating infectious disease research into real-world health solutions. Her work has influenced vaccination policy and led to the development of Spritz-OM, a first-in-class nasal therapy designed to prevent childhood ear infections.
Professor Desiree Silva from UWA, The Kids and Joondalup Health Campus, is an internationally recognised paediatrician-researcher whose work, including as co-Director of ORIGINS, has advanced scientific understanding of early-life determinants of chronic disease. Her research has driven new approaches to prevention and reshaped understanding of ADHD and childhood iron deficiency.
Dr Fiona Panther, a Forrest Research Fellow from UWA’s School of Physics, Mathematics and Computing, is a finalist for Early Career Scientist of the Year. She has contributed to some of the greatest problems in modern astrophysics: revealing the origin of antimatter in our galaxy, as well as advancements in real-time detection of gravitational waves from colliding black holes and neutron stars. Her work has enhanced WA’s reputation for research excellence in fundamental physics and has helped transform the Zadko Observatory into a space situational awareness hub at the Gingin Gravity Precinct.
UWA finalists for Student Scientist of the Year are:
Bradley Roberts, PhD candidate at UWA and Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, is working to improve antidepressant prescribing for young people with depression through precision psychiatry. He has led some of the first youth-focused pharmacogenetic research in Australia, moving mental healthcare beyond trial-and-error treatment toward more personalised care. He is also a Board Director at grassroots youth mental health charity Kai-Fella.
Michael Dymock, biostatistician and PhD candidate at UWA and The Kids, is developing innovative statistical methods to help researchers conduct more efficient clinical trials, accelerating the translation of research into better healthcare. He has led the development of a novel clinical trial approach that can be applied across any health context, strengthening evidence for clinical decision-making.
Rebecca Blake, PhD candidate from WA’s School of Molecular Sciences, is pioneering research into how advanced materials respond to extreme pressure. By uncovering the molecular ‘blueprints’ of underexplored porous frameworks, her work accelerates the design of next-generation materials essential for carbon capture, renewable energy storage and sustainable catalysis. Her findings position WA at the forefront of stimuli-responsive material science, driving innovations that support a decarbonised and technologically advanced future.
Ayden McCann, PhD student from ICRAR at UWA, is applying his expertise in optical communications to challenges including disaster communications in remote communities and the grounding of aircraft by drones. He built the world’s first vehicle-based laser communications station capable of restoring satellite links within 10 minutes of arriving anywhere; and an optical drone detection system now backed by government funding. His work has produced Australia’s first high-speed laser links from satellites and attracted defence and industry interest internationally.
Two UWA students are finalists for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEM Student of the Year:
Alaxandrea O’Brien, a proud Doogalburra Mamu and Jirrbal woman and Environmental Engineering (Honours) student at UWA, is recognised for her academic excellence, leadership and commitment to embedding Aboriginal perspectives in STEM. Through industry placements, she has contributed to renewable energy design, sustainable development and community centred project work. As founder and President of UWA MOBS, as well as being our Miss Kwobordok Yok for 2026 NAIDOC, she strengthens cultural visibility and support for First Nations students on campus.
UWA Aboriginal Environmental Science and Management student Jasmin Bentink is recognised for her excellence in environmental research, leadership and science engagement. Her work focuses on environmental sustainability, Indigenous engagement and building stronger connections between communities, industry and science. Passionate about empowering future Indigenous scientists, she has led student–industry initiatives, mentored Indigenous students, and contributed to research on marine ecosystems and land management.
Professor Marco Ghisalberti, from UWA’s School of Engineering, is a finalist for STEM Educator of the Year (Tertiary). Marco’s teaching transforms students’ relationship with engineering, leaving them seeing the familiar world differently. His work connects engineering theory to the world students already know – a cricket ball’s swing, a rowing shell’s wake, the layers in a poorly made flat white. His ‘masterclasses’ make abstract concepts unforgettable, with his mastery-based approach ensuring no student is left behind.
Winners across 10 categories will be announced on 21 September, along with a People’s Choice award voted by the public. To find out more about the awards and vote for your favourite finalist, head here.
Image above: UWA finalists L-R Professor Pat Dudgeon, Professor Andrew Whitehouse, Professor Thomas Wernberg, Rebecca Blake, Alaxandria O'Brien, Professor Marco Ghisalberti