Congratulations to the 2025 South Australian Scientist of the Year finalists.​

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Professor Heike Ebendorff-Heidepriem

The University of Adelaide, Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing

Professor Heike Ebendorff-Heidepriem is a world-renowned scientist based in South Australia, whose work focusses on developing new forms of optical glasses and fibres.

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With over two decades of international recognition and numerous awards, Heike's leadership has propelled transformative research initiatives, including the development of ZBLAN Space Fibre, an innovation with the potential to revolutionise global internet connectivity and data transfer rates.

Her collaborative efforts have not only advanced scientific knowledge but also fostered strategic alliances with industry partners, driving economic growth and societal advancement. Heike's leadership extends beyond the laboratory, as evidenced by her commitment to mentoring young researchers and engaging with the artistic community to promote public engagement with science.
 

Through her visionary leadership and dedication to excellence, Heike Ebendorff-Heidepriem continues to inspire and shape the future of STEMM fields, leaving an indelible mark on both academia and society.
 

Professor Kishan Dholakia

The University of Adelaide, Centre of Light for Life
 

Kishan Dholakia is a trailblazer in the world of photonics and interdisciplinary science, making waves with his groundbreaking work on structured light. His research has revolutionised imaging and precision measurement, impacting fields from biology to quantum science.
 

One of his standout achievements is the development of the Airy light sheet microscope. This incredible tool allows scientists to see detailed 3D images with a wide field of view, making it a game-changer for studying brain development and other biological processes. It's now used in over ten countries and has earned prestigious awards.
 

Dholakia also created a method to see inside sealed containers, which is a big deal for industries like wine authentication. Imagine being able to check the quality of wine without opening the bottle! His work on laser speckle has led to the world's most sensitive wavemeter, a device that measures light with astonishing precision, now used in labs around the globe.
 

With over 372 published papers and numerous awards, including the ARC Laureate Fellowship and the SPIE Dennis Gabor Award, Dholakia's influence is immense. He's delivered over 320 invited talks and collaborates with researchers worldwide, pushing the boundaries of science and technology.

Professor Matthew Gilliham

The University of Adelaide, ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space 
 

Professor Matthew Gilliham is globally recognised for pioneering discoveries and leadership in plant, agricultural, and space bioscience.

His research on drought and salinity tolerance—major constraints in South Australia—has delivered real-world impact, improving yields in wheat, barley, tomato, soybean, and sustaining grapevine wine quality.

As Director of the $100M ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space, he has positioned South Australia as a global hub and focal point for space plant research. Partnering with over 30 universities, businesses, and space agencies, the Centre has developed systems used on space stations and for deployment by astronauts when humans return to the moon on Artemis III, while translating innovations to Earth-based agriculture, plant-based foods, and sustainable biomanufacturing, and delivering inspiring student and public engagement.

From 2019–24, as Director of the Waite Research Institute, he revitalised the University of Adelaide’s agricultural research flagship, integrating gene editing, synthetic biology, and machine learning with core strengths in wine, plant breeding, and agronomy. His leadership secured major investments including Plant Synthetic Biology Australia, the SA Drought Hub, ARC Training Centres, and key government partnerships, while fostering the next generation of research leaders, cementing Adelaide’s status as a world-class centre for agricultural innovation.​​

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