Congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 WA Premier’s Science Awards, which this year marks 25 years of recognising scientific excellence in Western Australia!
WALSIH’s Director of Stakeholder Engagement, Dr Tracey Wilkinson, was pleased to attend this week’s awards ceremony, which celebrated outstanding researchers, educators and science communicators whose work is creating impact locally and globally.
These awards highlight the extraordinary talent, innovation and commitment driving WA science community forward. Congratulations to the winners and the finalists across all categories (read about the 2026 finalists here), and a special congrats to Scientist of the Year Prof Andrew Whitehouse from The Kids Research Institute Australia! Prof Whitehouse has transformed autism care through internationally recognised research that has reshaped the understanding, diagnosis and clinical support of autistic children.
It was particularly wonderful to see three more biomedical scientists joining Professor Whitehouse among this year’s award winners:
We also congratulate Emeritus Professor David Groves and Dr Mark Harvey on their induction into the WA Science Hall of Fame.
MORE ABOUT WINNERS FROM THE BIOMEDICAL SECTOR:
Scientist of the Year: 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.
Mid-Career Scientist of the Year: Associate Professor Lea-Ann Kirkham
The Kids Research Institute Australia and Oto Medicines Pty Ltd
Associate Professor Lea-Ann Kirkham is an internationally recognised scientist dedicated to translating breakthrough research into measurable improvements in child health. She leads a multidisciplinary team developing innovative ways to prevent and treat childhood respiratory infections, with her work shaping vaccination policy and clinical practice in Australia and neighbouring countries. Passionate about turning discoveries into real-world health solutions, she is the inventor of Spritz-OM, a novel nasal therapy to prevent childhood ear infections, and Founder and CEO of Oto Medicines Pty Ltd, a spin-out company advancing this Western Australian innovation towards global impact. A recognised leader in translational research, Lea-Ann is committed to strengthening WA’s research ecosystem, mentoring the next generation of scientists, and delivering globally relevant advances in child health.
Mid-Career Scientist of the Year: Professor Gavin Pereira
Curtin University
Professor Gavin Pereira is reducing the risk of stillbirth and early childhood mortality and morbidity nationally and globally. He has analysed millions of births and determined risk factors including the gap between pregnancies, the impact of heat stress during pregnancy and in the first years of life, and the impact of air pollution during pregnancy and the first years of life. His research, published in many high impact papers, has led to WHO briefings, changes to national and international guidelines, and adoption of his approach around the world. He is Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health at Curtin University.
Student Scientist of the Year: Bradley Roberts
The University of Western Australia and Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science
Bradley Roberts is a PhD candidate at the Perron Institute and The University of Western Australia. His research is at the forefront of improving antidepressant prescribing for young people with depression, helping shift mental healthcare beyond trial-and-error prescribing towards more personalised, evidence-based treatment. Bradley has led some of the first youth-focused pharmacogenetic research in Australia, attracting major funding, and international collaborations, while supporting the translation of precision medicine into Western Australian clinical practice through partnerships with local industry and healthcare providers. Bradley also serves as a Board Director of Kai-Fella, championing change for youth mental health in the WA community.
