Skip navigation
Government of South Australia - Department of Industry, Innovation and ScienceScience Awards logo
  • Home
    • >>
  • Winners and finalists

Winners and finalists

Meet the past winners and finalists of the SA Science Excellence and Innovation Awards and be inspired by how their transformative ideas and achievements are shaping the future of science, research, and innovation. Watch the videos and discover their stories.

South Australian Scientist of the Year

Professor Kishan Dholakia

Professor Kishan Dholakia is a leader in photonics transforming imaging and measurement through pioneering work on structured light. His innovations, including advanced microscopes and precision sensing technologies, are enabling breakthroughs in biology, quantum science and industry, improving how scientists visualise complex systems and measure light with extraordinary accuracy worldwide.

Excellence in Collaborative Innovation

Activated OSHC Partnership: Transforming after-school health at scale

The Activated OSCH team developed Australia's first evidence-based guidelines for physical activity and screen time specifically for OSHC. The guidelines, which include practical, scalable programs, are supporting OSHC services nationwide to adopt healthier practices – improving activity levels for thousands of children and making positive, lasting health outcomes accessible at scale.

PhD Research Excellence

Dr Marie-Claire Seeley

Dr Marie‑Claire Seeley is a national leader in cardiovascular health and chronic illness. Her work has transformed understanding and care of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a debilitating condition often triggered by viral infections like COVID-19. Through collaboration and advocacy, she is improving access to care, elevating patient voices, and delivering more inclusive, effective healthcare solutions for people living with chronic illness.

STEMM Educator of the Year – Primary or Secondary School Teaching

Australian Science and Mathematics School Interdisciplinary STEMM Team

The Australian Science and Mathematics School is transforming STEMM education through an innovative, interdisciplinary model that connects learning to real-world challenges and student passions. By developing confident, self-directed learners, it is shaping future scientists and innovators. Graduates not only pursue successful STEMM pathways but return as mentors, guest speakers, and contributors.

STEMM Educator of the Year – University or RTO Teaching

Dr Hayden Tronnolone

Dr Hayden Tronnolone has designed a unique university course that has almost tripled the annual number of graduates, particularly benefitting regional and rural areas with acute shortages. The curricula he has designed provides alternative pathways into mathematics and engaging learning opportunities to substantially increase the number of students taking mathematics, ensuring a pipeline of graduates to join the STEMM workforce.

South Australian Mid-Career STEMM Professional of the Year

Associate Professor Hannah Wardill

Associate Professor Wardill is dedicated to improving outcomes for people with cancer by better controlling treatment side effects. In collaboration with industry, academic and community peers, Hannah and her team have generated new knowledge that has informed new patents, clinical trials and how people across the globe with cancer are cared for.

Past finalists and winners

Filter by:

Anatomy: an applied science for allied health professionals

Finalist
2024
STEMM Educator of the Year – University or RTO Teaching

This teaching team is a South Australian leader in health science education, equipping allied health students with essential anatomical knowledge to improve health outcomes. Through engaging, accessible teaching and community outreach, they inspire learners from primary school to university. By promoting understanding of the human body and donor programs, they are strengthening health education and reducing stigma.

Watch video

Dr Lauren Jones

Finalist
2024
PhD Research Excellence

Dr Lauren Jones is a researcher advancing understanding of digestive health through insights into the gut–brain connection. Her work is identifying new pathways that drive gut disorders, enabling the development of more effective treatments with fewer side effects. By improving how these conditions are managed, her research is enhancing patient wellbeing and addressing a major, widespread health challenge.

Watch video

Dr Lucas Hearn

Finalist
2024
PhD Research Excellence

Dr Lucas Hearn is a South Australian researcher advancing understanding of native Australian bees and their evolution from solitary living to a social lifestyle. His work has revealed new insights into how social behaviour develops in bees, reshaping scientific knowledge and opening new research pathways. Through strong public engagement, he is also raising awareness of native bee conservation and their importance to ecosystems.

Watch video

Forensic Science Team

Finalist
2024
Excellence in Science and Industry Collaboration

This collaboration between Flinders University and Forensic Science SA is transforming forensic science through innovative research. By developing advanced DNA analysis, using AI to produce DNA profiles faster and more accurately, new techniques for linking gunshot residue to ammunition used in shootings, to identifying manufacturing signatures in illicit drugs to enable authorities to proactively legislate to reduce supply. Its’ work is strengthening Australia’s justice system, supporting law enforcement, and establishing South Australia as a global leader in forensic science research.

Watch video
Page 1 of 3