Three celebrated scientists from WA’s Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, have been named as finalists in the 2024 Premier’s Science Awards.
Associate Professor Gina Ravenscroft, Dr Kieran Mulroney and Nicola Principe have each been recognised in the prestigious awards for their contributions to the scientific community.
Associate Professor Gina Ravenscroft is a finalist for the Mid-Career Scientist of the Year award for her work on finding the genetic causes of rare but serious neuromuscular diseases.
A pioneering leader at the Perkins and The University of Western Australia (UWA), Associate Professor Ravenscroft has made significant discoveries, including identifying previously unknown disease genes.
Her research helps provide a diagnosis for desperate patients and paves the way for new treatments, offering hope to families affected by these conditions.
Dr Kieran Mulroney is a clinical research microbiologist and a finalist for the Early Career Scientist of the Year award.
Based at the Perkins and UWA, and in collaboration with doctors and scientists from PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Dr Mulroney co-invented and developed a groundbreaking new technology to identify the best antibiotic to treat life-threatening infections days faster than existing tests.
Passionate about real-world impact, Dr Mulroney co-founded and leads a WA-based medtech spin-out company, aiming to validate and regulate the technology to ensure it reaches those who need it most.
Nicola Principe is a finalist for the Student Scientist of the Year award, nominated in part for her work in the Perkins teaching laboratory, the Lotterywest BioDiscovery Centre.
As a distinguished PhD candidate at UWA’s National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases and the Institute of Respiratory Health, Nicola has been at the forefront of cancer research, helping develop new strategies to tackle treatment-resistant cancers.
Beyond her research, Nicola dedicates her time to advancing STEM in Western Australia, via the Perkins BioDiscovery Centre, which inspires the next generation of scientists by giving students first-hand experience in a working laboratory.
Perkins CEO, Professor Peter Leedman, congratulated the finalists for their dedication to improving community health.
“On behalf of the Harry Perkins Institute, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Associate Professor Gina Ravenscroft, Dr. Kieran Mulroney, and Nicola Principe for being named finalists in the 2024 Premier’s Science Awards. Their dedication to scientific discovery and innovation is truly inspiring.”
“Associate Professor Gina Ravenscroft’s groundbreaking work in identifying genetic causes of rare neuromuscular diseases offers hope to many families, while Dr. Kieran Mulroney’s revolutionary technology has the potential to save countless lives by speeding up the identification of effective antibiotics. Nicola Principe’s contributions to cancer research and her commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists exemplify the spirit of our institute.”
“These recognitions are a testament to the impact of their work and their unwavering commitment to improving community health,” Professor Leedman said.
This year, the community is invited to participate in the Premier’s Science Awards 2024: People’s Choice Award (www.wa.gov.au) – please vote for your choice before 12noon AWST, Friday 16 August 2024.
The Premier’s Science Awards celebrate the outstanding scientific research and engagement in WA, highlighting the exceptional contributions of individuals driving innovation and excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Winners of the Premier’s Science Awards will be announced on 19 August 2024.
