Āé¶¹Ö±²„

Quintet of Curtin researchers honoured in Young Tall Poppy Science Awards

Monday 01 September 2025 | By Lucien Wilkinson
Image for Quintet of Curtin researchers honoured in Young Tall Poppy Science Awards

An epidemiologist tackling global tuberculosis, a circular economy innovator, a plant scientist advancing crop resilience, a nanogeoscience pioneer and a geospatial intelligence expert are the Āé¶¹Ö±²„ researchers recognised in the 2025 WA Young Tall Poppy Science .

The prestigious awards, run by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science (), recognise outstanding early-career scientists who combine world-class research with a passion for science communication and community engagement.

is an infectious diseases epidemiologist whose geospatial research is helping fight tuberculosis worldwide. Leading the Research Team at The Kids Research Institute Australia, his work integrates spatial analytics and epidemiology to inform global tuberculosis control and prevention strategies.

A global leader in circular economy and zero-waste research, from the Āé¶¹Ö±²„ Sustainability Policy Institute () is helping to shape sustainable practices, policies and collaborations both locally and internationally. He has important roles with the National Environmental Science Program, , the   and Curtin’s .

is an agricultural scientist whose work in plant physiology and disease tolerance is advancing the fight against crop disease. At the , co-funded by Āé¶¹Ö±²„ and GRDC, she leads research into the early stages of plant infection and recovery, driving innovation in disease resistance and crop resilience. Her work is exploring the value of leading-edge research capabilities such as spatial transcriptomics, the study of gene expression at a cellular level in plants.

A key member of Curtin’s facility, is a geologist pioneering research in nanogeoscience. Dr Fougerouse leads research on how green energy elements form in rocks, and how we can best extract these metals to support the energy transition.

is a geospatial scientist at Āé¶¹Ö±²„, recognised globally for his innovations in geospatial intelligence. As leader of a geospatial intelligence team, he develops cutting-edge methods and software to improve sustainable infrastructure management, with strong industry partnerships worldwide.

Curtin Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne congratulated the talented group of research rising stars on their achievements.

ā€œI’m thrilled to celebrate five exceptional early-career researchers recognised as Young Tall Poppies for 2025,ā€ Professor Hayne said.

ā€œTheir research is driving innovation in fields as diverse as infectious disease epidemiology, sustainability, crop science, nanogeoscience and geospatial intelligence, while their commitment to sharing knowledge with the community highlights the very best of Curtin’s research culture.ā€

As part of the Young Tall Poppy program, the five Curtin researchers will engage in education and outreach initiatives across the state, visiting schools, running workshops and inspiring the next generation of scientists in Western Australia.

For more information about the 2025 WA Young Tall Poppy Science , visit .