Six scientists from The Kids Research Institute Australia have been named finalists across five categories in the 2026 Premier's Science Awards.
Announced during the 25th anniversary year of the State's prestigious science honours, the finalists showcase the depth and diversity of research at The Kids, from transforming autism care and advancing First Nations-led research, to pioneering infectious disease innovation and developing smarter clinical trials.
Winners will share in a $140,000 prize pool when they are announced at the Premier's Science Awards ceremony at Crown Perth on Monday, 21 September.
The Kids Executive Director Professor Caroline Homer AO congratulated the finalists on their success in being shortlisted in the annual awards.
"This recognition showcases the breadth of world-class research underway at The Kids and the exceptional people driving discoveries that improve children's lives," Professor Homer said.
"Our finalists represent diverse fields of expertise, but they are united by a shared ambition to turn research into real-world impact for children and families.
"Their achievements are made possible through the strong partnerships they have built with health services, clinicians, community leaders and the generous support of donors who stand alongside our researchers, helping to advance their work."
Leading the nominations is Deputy Director of Research, Angela Wright Bennett Professor of Autism Research and Director of CliniKids Professor Andrew Whitehouse, who is a finalist for Scientist of the Year following more than two decades of internationally recognised research that has transformed autism care. His work has reshaped early identification, informed National Clinical Guidelines and pioneered evidence-based interventions that are improving outcomes for autistic children and their families worldwide.
The Aboriginal Scientist of the Year category features two finalists from The Kids.
Director of First Nations Strategy and Leadership and Head of First Nations Health and Equity Research Associate Professor Glenn Pearson has been recognised for his leadership in transforming how Aboriginal health research is undertaken. By championing culturally respectful approaches that place Aboriginal people at the centre of research, he has helped ensure communities are genuine partners and leaders in research that affects them.
Joining him is Dr Jessica Buck, a Kamilaroi woman and cancer research scientist whose world-first research is improving outcomes for First Nations children with cancer. As leader of our First Nations Childhood Cancer Research team at The Kids and the WA Comprehensive Kids Cancer Centre's Improving First Nations Outcomes theme, Dr Buck is combining cutting-edge cancer research with First Nations ways of knowing to help close the gap in childhood cancer outcomes through more culturally safe care and improved survival.
The Kids also has two finalists in the Mid-career Scientist of the Year category.
Co-Director of ORIGINS Professor Desiree Silva has been recognised for her internationally significant research into the early-life origins of chronic disease, including groundbreaking work through the ORIGINS Project and landmark studies that have reshaped understanding of ADHD and childhood iron deficiency.
Associate Professor Lea-Ann Kirkham – Co-Head of The Kids' Bacterial Respiratory Infectious Disease Group and Microbiology Lead at the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines & Infectious Diseases – has been recognised for translating infectious disease research into real-world health solutions. Her work has influenced vaccination policy and led to the development of Spritz-OM, a first-in-class nasal therapy designed to prevent childhood ear infections.
Completing the list is PhD student and biostatistician Michael Dymock, a finalist for Student Scientist of the Year. His innovative statistical methods are helping researchers conduct more efficient clinical trials, accelerating the translation of research into better healthcare.
Professor Andrew Whitehouse is also Clinical Adjunct Professor at The University of Western Australia (UWA) Medical School and the UWA Centre for Child Health Research; Associate Professor Glenn Pearson is also an Associate Professor at UWA; Dr Jessica Buck is also an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at UWA Medical School and the UWA Centre for Child Health Research; Professor Desiree Silva is also Professor of Paediatrics at UWA; and Associate Professor Lea-Ann Kirkham is also a Research Fellow at the UWA Centre for Child Health Research.
First published Thursday 30 July 2026.
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