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:

Dr Mary Brushe

Winner
2024
PhD Research Excellence

Dr Mary Brushe is a researcher improving early childhood development by advancing understanding of screen time impacts. Her work has shown how screen use affects language development and led to practical, parent-focused programs that support healthy habits. Influencing policy and practice, her research is helping families foster stronger early learning outcomes and supporting children’s long-term development.

Watch video

Mrs Jessica Simons

Winner
2024
STEMM Educator of the Year – Primary or Secondary School Teaching

Jessica is an educator advancing STEMM learning through innovative, interdisciplinary teaching that integrates emerging technologies such as AI and virtual reality. Her work is building digital and ethical literacy in students while supporting teachers to enhance technology use in classrooms. Through strong industry partnerships, she is creating real-world learning opportunities for students and strengthening pathways into future-focused careers.

Watch video

Professor Jamie Craig

Winner
2024
South Australian Scientist of the Year

Professor Jamie Craig is transforming glaucoma detection and care. His research into genetic risk has enabled earlier diagnosis and targeted management, helping prevent vision loss before it occurs. Through innovative screening tools and global partnerships, his work is reducing healthcare burden, improving access, especially in regional area, and ultimately saving sight.

Watch video

Sleep Revolution Team

Winner
2024
Excellence in Science and Industry Collaboration

The Sleep Revolution Team at Flinders University is transforming understanding and treatment of sleep disorders through world-leading research and public engagement. Their clinical trial demonstrated rapid, effective treatment for chronic sleep conditions, including in 80% of participants, while the nationally broadcast TV series raised awareness of sleep health. This represents a unique academia-industry collaboration between scientists/clinicians, documentary film makers, industry partners, community, and policymakers/government to improve sleep health.

Watch video
Page 1 of 2