Western Australia's brightest scientists, researchers and educators were celebrated this week as the 2026 Premier's Science Awards wrapped up at a ceremony at Crown Perth. Marking the 25th anniversary of the awards, this year's program recognised 12 winners across ten categories, honouring outstanding achievement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics right across the state.

As proud sponsors of the STEM Educator of the Year category, the Fogarty Foundation was delighted to see this year's inaugural STEM Educator of the Year (Schools) award go to Dr Roslyn London, Teacher-in-Charge of STEM at Balga Senior High School. Dr London was recognised for her work embedding foundational STEM concepts and real-world problem-solving into the classroom through competitive challenges that build genuine life skills in her students. Elizabeth Knight, CEO of the Fogarty Foundation, was there to present the award and celebrate with Roslyn on the night. Congratulations, Roslyn, a truly well-deserved win and we look forward to ongoing collaborations and opportunities.

We were also proud to have our own Laura Potts serve as a judge for this year's awards, lending her expertise to the process of selecting finalists and winners from a strong statewide field. Being part of that process, helping to identify and celebrate the educators and STEM leaders shaping WA's future, is exactly the kind of work the Foundation loves supporting.

This year's awards also recognised Associate Professor Alison Blyth as STEM Educator of the Year (Tertiary), alongside winners in categories spanning Scientist of the Year (Professor Andrew Whitehouse), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientist of the Year (Professor Pat Dudgeon), Mid-Career Scientist of the Year (Associate Professor Lea-Ann Kirkham and Professor Gavin Pereira), Early Career Scientist of the Year (Dr Kit Prendergast), and more, with two new inductees, Emeritus Professor David Groves and Dr Mark Harvey, welcomed into the WA Science Hall of Fame.

The Premier's Science Awards remain WA's highest recognition of scientific and STEM excellence, and the Fogarty Foundation is honoured to continue playing a part in celebrating the teachers, scientists and innovators driving the state forward.