On Monday 19 August, the 2024 Premier’s Science Awards ceremony celebrated and recognised the outstanding work occurring in Western Australia's science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) community.
Hosted at Optus Stadium, the 23rd Premier’s Science Awards presented 11 winners across 9 award categories, with 3 categories presenting joint winners.
The 2024 Scientist of the Year award was presented to joint winners, John Curtin Distinguished Professor Sharon Parker and Professor Markus Schlaich who will share the award category's $50,000 prize.
John Curtin Distinguished Professor Sharon Parker is enhancing work quality globally through her leading research on work design. She applies her findings in WA, having led a major study on mental health in the mining industry. She also advises health, aged and disability care organisations.
Professor Markus Schlaich is the inaugural Dobney Chair in Clinical Research at The University of Western Australia. A clinician scientist specialising in high blood pressure (hypertension), he leads an interdisciplinary team at Royal Perth Hospital. His research has led to the approval of new blood pressure therapies, including a new drug class and a revolutionary interventional approach.
Included in the ceremony was the announcement of 2 inductees into the Western Australia Science Hall of Fame. Professor Peter Quinn and Winthrop Professor Fiona Wood AO were inducted into the WA Science Hall of Fame for their life-long contributions to STEM.
Professor Quinn’s 42-year research career focussing on dark matter, galaxy formation and cosmology, has made him a world-leading astrophysicist. Professor Wood has established herself as a pioneer and world leading burns specialist and researcher, with a career marked by significant advancements in medical science and her dedicated efforts to improving outcomes for burns patients.
Winners presented at the ceremony included:
- Mid-Career Scientist of the Year (joint winners), Professor Morten Allentoft and Associate Professor Gianna Ravenscroft from Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and The University of Western Australia.
- Early Career Scientist of the Year (joint winners), Dr Pamela Laird from Telethon Kids Institute and Dr Neil Robinson from The University of Western Australia.
- Student Scientist of the Year, Nicola Principe from The University of Western Australia.
- Aboriginal STEM Student of the Year, Brodie O’Breza from Curtin University.
- STEM Educator of the Year – Schools, Stephen Warwick from Ashdale Secondary College.
- STEM Educator of the Year – Tertiary, Alexandra Yeung from Curtin University.
- Science Engagement Initiative of the Year, Einstein-First from The University of Western Australia.
- Inaugural People’s Choice Award, John Curtin Distinguished Professor Sharon Parker from Curtin University.
Congratulations to the 2024 Premier's Science Awards winners and this year's inductees into the WA Science Hall of Fame.
Learn more about the Premier's Science Awards: 2024 Winners.
