PhD candidate Nicole Said has been selected as a finalist in the Student Scientist of the Year category. Credit: Giacomo d'Orlando
Congratulations to the three staff and students from Edith Cowan University (ECU) who have been named as finalists in the 2026 Premier's Science Awards.
The Premier's Science Awards program recognises and celebrates the outstanding scientific research and engagement taking place in Western Australia.
Reaching this stage is a testament to their remarkable accomplishments, achievements and positive contribution to the Western Australian community.
The winners will be announced at the 2026 Premier's Science Awards in September.
Early Career Scientist of the Year
Dr Kiam Padamsey, Teaching and Research Scholar in Public Health, School of Medical and Health Sciences
Dr Kiam Padamsey is an occupational hygienist and epidemiologist whose research has generated real improvements to the health and safety of firefighters across WA.
He has pioneered systems to characterise the chemical composition of bushfire smoke and exposure profiles of firefighters working in active fire environments. This research has had major impact by changing practice, PPE provision, decontamination procedures, and education.
A volunteer firefighter himself, Dr Padamsey works closely with WA's various fire services, informing strategy, policy, and training.
Through ongoing collaboration, national leadership, and teaching and supervision of emerging researchers, his research addresses a critical health challenge in one of Australia's most vital and under-supported workforces.
"I am genuinely delighted to be named as a finalist for this award. The achievements of the other finalists are quite incredible, so it is a real honour to be considered alongside them," Dr Padamsey said.
Dr Kiam Padamsey
Student Scientist of the Year
Nicole Said, PhD candidate and Research Associate with the School of Science's Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research
Nicole Said has been selected as a finalist in the Student Scientist of the Year category, for her work in advancing how Western Australia protects its globally significant seagrass ecosystems from climate change.
Ms Said has produced the world's largest dataset on temperature responses across approximately 30 per cent of Australia's seagrass species, spanning temperate to tropical waters – data applied by government during the 2025 marine heatwave. This work provides a novel and robust predictive framework for assessing seagrass vulnerability to marine heatwaves and informing climate-adaptive restoration strategies.
Ms Said also co-founded the 'Seagrass Heatwave Collective', a state-wide initiative connecting researchers, government, industry, community, and First Nations partners to coordinate marine heatwave responses.
"The work of all the finalists highlights the many important challenges science is helping to tackle. It's wonderful to see research on seagrass ecosystems recognised alongside such impactful work, and to help highlight their importance for healthy, resilient marine environments," Ms Said remarked.
STEM Educator of the Year – Tertiary (University or Registered Training Organisation)
Dr Katrina O'Mara, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Management and Sustainability, School of Science
Dr Katrina O'Mara is a sustainability expert who brings real-world industry experience into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) teaching.
Her students work on projects based on major infrastructure developments, helping them build practical skills and move confidently into jobs. She has led changes to improve how students are assessed, while also creating strong links with industry that lead directly to employment opportunities.
Beyond the classroom, Dr O'Mara promotes science to the broader community through public events and radio. Her work helps develop skilled, job-ready graduates who contribute to Western Australia's future STEM workforce.
"I'm incredibly honoured to be recognised as a finalist, but the recognition should go to all the incredible work being done by educators across Western Australia every day to support, develop and inspire STEM professionals," Dr O'Mara said.
Dr Katrina O'Mara
