Applications Now Open for the 2025 Premier’s Science Awards

The 2025 Premier’s Science Awards are officially open for applications, read the full media statement here, offering an exciting opportunity to celebrate and elevate Western Australia’s brightest scientific minds. With a significantly increased prize pool of $140,000 and the introduction of two new award categories, this year’s awards promise to be the most inclusive and impactful yet.

Honouring Innovation and Impact in Science

Now in its 25th year, the Premier’s Science Awards continue to recognise outstanding achievements in scientific research, education, and engagement across Western Australia. These prestigious awards highlight the individuals and projects that are shaping the future of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in the State.

This year introduces two new categories:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientist of the Year: Celebrating excellence by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander scientists or researchers in any scientific field or technological advancement.
• Government Science Project of the Year: Recognising an outstanding scientific research project conducted within the WA government sector.

These additions reflect a growing commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the recognition of impactful science across all sectors of the community.

A Decade of Distinction: WA Science Hall of Fame

Nominations are also open for the WA Science Hall of Fame, which honours individuals who have made lifelong contributions to STEM in Western Australia. Last year, Winthrop Professor Fiona Wood AO and Professor Peter Quinn were inducted for their pioneering work in burns treatment and cosmology, respectively.

Award Categories for 2025

This year’s awards span ten categories:

1. Scientist of the Year
2. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientist of the Year
3. Mid-Career Scientist of the Year
4. Early Career Scientist of the Year
5. Student Scientist of the Year
6. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEM Student of the Year
7. Government Science Project of the Year
8. STEM Educator of the Year – Schools (Primary or Secondary)
9. STEM Educator of the Year – Tertiary (University or RTO)
10. Science Engagement Initiative of the Year

The People’s Choice Award also returns, allowing the public to vote for their favourite finalist across all categories.

Celebrating Past Excellence

In 2024, John Curtin Distinguished Professor Sharon Parker and Professor Markus Schlaich were jointly named Scientists of the Year for their globally recognised contributions to workplace wellbeing and hypertension treatment, respectively.

Key Dates and Application Details

Applications and nominations close at 10am AWST on Monday, 28 July 2025.

For more information and to apply, visit the official website.

Acknowledging Our Supporters

The 2025 Premier’s Science Awards are proudly supported by:

• Gold sponsors: BioCina, Shell, Woodside
• Silver sponsor: DUG Technology
• Bronze sponsors: CSIRO, Fogarty Foundation, Orthocell, Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre
• Academic partners: Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, The University of Western Australia
• Sector sponsor: The Kids Research Institute Australia
• Community partners: Scitech, Western Australian Museum
• Media partner: The West Australian