News

A scientist pushing the boundaries of structured light, a teacher tripling the number of university mathematics students, and a team transforming children’s physical activity levels – these are just some of the incredible winners of the 2025 SA Science Excellence and Innovation Awards.

On Friday 14 November, leaders in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) gathered to celebrate this year’s finalists and winners, including the prestigious Scientist of the Year Award and the new Mid-Career STEMM Professional of the Year Award.

Chief Scientist for South Australia Craig Simmons said:

“South Australia's future prosperity shines brightest when powered by a vibrant, connected STEMM ecosystem — one that welcomes and nurtures the world’s most imaginative and pioneering minds.

“Our finalists and winners are trailblazers, helping place South Australia at the cutting edge of global scientific discovery. Their work inspires us, and it’s exactly why we celebrate them through these awards.”

• South Australian Scientist of the Year
  Professor Kishan Dholakia, Centre of Light for Life, the University of Adelaide
• Excellence in Collaborative Innovation
  Activated OSHC Partnership: Transforming after-school health at scale
• PhD Research Excellence
  Dr Marie-Claire Seeley, the University of Adelaide
• STEMM Educator of the Year - Primary or Secondary School Teaching
  Australian Science and Mathematics School Interdisciplinary STEMM Team
• STEMM Educator of the Year - University of Registered Training Organisation
  Dr Hayden Tronnolone, Flinders University
• 2025 South Australian Mid-Career STEMM Professional of the Year
  Associate Professor Hannah Wardill, the University of Adelaide

Celebrating 21 years in 2025, the awards celebration was held at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre with the support of platinum sponsors Adelaide University, Commonwealth Bank and Telstra, and event partner Novatech Creative Event Technology.