The University of Western Australia has a continual roll call of awards, scholarships and prizes presented to staff and students.

To recognise these achievements, an article is published on the UWA news page on the website and in UWA Forward on the first week of every month. If you know of great awards or achievements across the University please email [email protected].

Name: Aasta Abbott

Achievement:  Senior lecturer Aasta Abbott has been recognised as a high achiever with the UWA School of Psychological Science Graduate Certificate in the Diagnosis and Assessment of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) award. The speech pathologist is an allied health clinician and clinical educator based at the Western Australian Centre for Rural Health. She is involved in case management, contributes to clinical assessment, case formulation and diagnostic report writing for the assessment and diagnosis of FASD in both children and adults. The upcoming prize giving ceremony is on 7 May at the Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre.

Name: Lisa Stinson

Achievement: Dr Lisa Stinson, a Research Fellow from UWA’s School of Molecular Sciences and Centre for Human Lactation Research and Translation, has received the Australian Society for Microbiology’s Jim Pittard Award. The award recognises Dr Stinson’s  transformative insight in microbial sciences during the early stage of her research career.  Dr Stinson is a reproductive biologist and molecular microbiologist. Her research interests include the early life microbiome, the human milk microbiome and the developmental origins of health and disease.  Recipients of the award are invited to present at the society's annual scientific meeting. They also receive a plaque given at the meeting’s award ceremony, $1000 prize money, full conference registration to the meeting and accommodation.

Name:  David Gozzard

Achievement:  Dr David Gozzard, a UWA graduate (BSc, BE '14, PhD '18 ) from ICRAR and the International Space Centre, won the intrapreneur category at the Business News WA 40under40 awards. Dr Gozzard is a technology leader and physicist working at the intersection of advanced photonics, quantum systems and real-world deployment across defence, space and industry. The Forrest Fellow invented and commercialised signal-jamming technology now supported by the Australian Defence Force and played a leading role in delivering key components of Australia’s first laser-based satellite communications ground capability. He has contributed to the Square Kilometre Array’s precision timing and synchronisation system, supporting its transition from prototype to manufacturing in WA. Dr Gozzard now leads multidisciplinary teams developing next-generation quantum imaging systems, focused on translating high-risk technologies into operational outcomes. The awards recognise and celebrate the State’s leading entrepreneurs, innovators and future business leaders under the age of 40.

Name: Kyle Hoath

Achievement: UWA graduate (MBBS '11) Dr Kyle Hoath won the Small Business/Startup category at Business News WA 40under40 awards. He is the co-founder and chief medical officer of Oqea, which has a focus on integrating clinical expertise with innovative mental health IT solutions to improve patient outcomes.  Dr Hoath is a consultant psychiatrist and newly elected president of the Australian Medical Association WA.  He is also the chair of Basketball WA and the Fremantle Language Development Centre. His skills in mental health and governance, contribute to strategies that foster both physical and mental well-being. These positions underscore his dedication to holistic health approaches and the positive impacts of collaborative leadership.

Name: Elizabeth McLean

Achievement: UWA graduate (LLB, BA '09) Ms Elizabeth McLean won the Professional Services category at Business News WA 40under40 awards. Ms McLean is the Director of Pragma Lawyers and has 16 years’ experience in employment law. She has led the implementation of family-friendly policies in the workplace including flexible work arrangements and paid parental leave. In 2023, Ms McLean launched Norfolk Workplace Consulting, a companion firm to Pragma, which provides workplace relations advice to small to medium-size businesses. Her expertise includes provision of advice regarding employment related issues and risks, advising on the management of injured or unwell employees, drafting employment agreements, negotiating deeds of settlement, advising on OSH obligations, advising on industrial strategy and workplace misconduct, harassment and bullying.

Name: Matthew Oldakowski, Simon Grantham, Alastair Mackenzie, Damien Wragg, Eli Barlow and Samantha Johnson

Achievement: Six UWA graduates were listed as 2026 Business News 40under40 winners alongside the three major category award winners from the University. Dr Matthew Oldakowski (BE '09) co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of biomedical company Earflo; Mr Simon Grantham (MBA '19) Chief Financial Officer of engineered-to-order company Xcircle; Mr Alastair Mackenzie (MBA '18) founder and Managing Director of disability services and support organisation Buddiup Group; Mr Damien Wragg (BSc '10, GradDipSportRecMgt '11, GradDipWHS '12, MWHS '18) General Manager of training organisation Trainwest; Mr Eli Barlow (BCom '09) Chief Operations Officer and Marketing Manager of family focused leisure and entertainment business Funday Entertainment Group; and Dr Samantha Johnson (BSc '08) Medical Director of medical centre Sexual Health Quarters.

Name: Girish Dwivedi

Achievement: Professor Girish Dwivedi, from UWA Medical School, has won The South Metropolitan Health Service 2026 Research of the Year award. Professor Dwivedi’s research improves care for people living with complex, long-term conditions. He is an accomplished cardiologist and internationally recognised researcher, whose innovative work has brought together services to provide coordinated care, helping patients receive the right support earlier and reducing avoidable hospital visits. Professor Dwivedi has reshaped how care is delivered, ensuring decisions are guided by patient needs rather than isolated treatments. His commitment to prevention and early identification has supported better long-term outcomes for individuals and families, particularly those at higher risk. Professor Dwivedi has created opportunities for early career researchers, clinicians, nurses and allied health staff to contribute to meaningful research, building a culture where learning and care go hand-in-hand.

Name: Zeeshan Ahmed

Achievement: Mr Zeeshan Ahem, from the School of Molecular Sciences and Australian Plants Phenomics Network, received the Rod Tallis Youth Award at the 54th Annual Conference of International Plant Propagator Society conference in Hobart, Tasmania. The ARC Plant Energy Biology PhD Researcher was recognised for his research on rare, variegated Kangaroo Paws for urban gardens. The International society recognises outstanding achievement by the younger section of the industry and the award is presented annually to the most commendable achievement by a person 18 years or over working or studying in horticulture. The winner will have completed a research project, written an article or series of articles or developed a new process or product and present a paper on the work at the conference.

Congratulations UWA staff, alumni and students.

Image top: Dr David Gozzard, Professor Girish Dwivedi, Mr Zeeshan Ahmed and Ms Aasta Abbott with Professor Troy Visser.