A plant scientist whose research is improving drought resilience in crops and pioneering new ways to grow food in space has been named South Australia’s Scientist of the Year.
Professor Matthew Gilliham, Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space (P4S) at Adelaide University, has taken top honours at the 2026 South Australian Science Excellence and Innovation Awards for his discoveries in plant drought and salinity tolerance, which has helped improve yield and quality of wheat, barley and wine grapes in South Australia and around the world.
As founder and leader of the P4S Centre, Professor Gilliham is also pioneering new technologies to grow plants in space, with some already being used on the International Space Station. The research also has the potential to transform agricultural sustainability on Earth.
His achievements also include his work with Plant SynBio Australia, a National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Scheme (NCRIS) facility launched at the Waite Campus earlier this year. The facility connects researchers and industry to develop crops with new or improved properties, such as greater stress tolerance, to support high-value, plant-based products including medicines and recyclable plastics.
This year’s awards also mark a significant first, with a dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEMM Award recognising the knowledge, leadership and achievements of Australia’s first scientists.
The Walk Strong, Walk Tall team from SAHMRI’s Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity has received the inaugural award for its work to prevent and better manage foot disease among Aboriginal people.
Working alongside Aboriginal health leaders, Elders and communities, the team has combined research, community knowledge and lived experience to raise awareness of diabetes-related foot complications and improve foot health, helping prevent serious outcomes, including avoidable amputations.
The work addresses a significant health challenge, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in South Australia experiencing amputation rates approximately 3.4 times those of the non-Aboriginal population.
Celebrating 22 years in 2026, the awards recognise excellence across science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM). Winners were announced at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Thursday 12 November, with event sponsor Novatech Creative Event Technology, platinum sponsors Adelaide University, Commonwealth Bank and Telstra, gold event sponsor Flinders University and SABRENet as silver sponsor.
The 2026 SA Science Excellence and Innovation Award winners are:
Scientist of the Year: Professor Matthew Gilliham, Adelaide University
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEMM Award: Walk Strong, Walk Tall Team, Associate Professor Kim Morey, Courtney Georgia Hammond, Michael George Turner, Natalie Morgan and Saraid Ellen Martin
STEMM Educator of the Year – Primary/Secondary School Level: Mrs Colleen O’Rourke, The Hills Christian Community School
STEMM Educator of the Year – University/Registered Training Organisation Level: Flinders University STEMM WIL Program Team, Associate Professor David Hobbs, Dr Thomas Vincent, and Dr Robbie Trott
Excellence in Collaborative Innovation: South Australian MND Clinical and Research Translation Team (SAMCARTT), Associate Professor Mary-Louise Rogers, Associate Professor David Schultz, Dr Vinod Aiyappan, Professor Peter Catcheside, and Ms Leanne Davis
PhD Research Excellence: Dr Isabella Reeves, Flinders University
South Australian Mid-Career STEMM Professional of the Year: Professor Maria Inacio, Flinders University, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute
