The Kids researchers take out prestigious Premier’s Science Awards

Two leading researchers from The Kids Research Institute Australia have received major accolades at the 2026 Premier’s Science Awards - celebrating their groundbreaking contributions to children’s health and scientific innovation.

World-renowned autism researcher Professor Andrew Whitehouse was named Scientist of the Year for his research transforming the understanding, diagnosis and clinical support of autistic children.

Joining him in top honours was infectious disease research microbiologist Associate Professor Lea-Ann Kirkham, who was jointly named Mid-Career Scientist of the Year. The award recognises her leadership in developing innovative therapies to prevent and treat childhood respiratory and ear infections – including co-inventing the novel nasal therapy Spritz-OM - and shaping vaccination policy and clinical practice globally.

The Kids had six finalists in four categories at the gala event held at Crown Perth.

Professor Andrew Whitehouse holds a joint appointment across The Kids and The University of Western Australia and has spent over two decades transforming autism care.

From pioneering early intervention approaches now implemented globally, to leading the development of Australia's National Clinical Guidelines, his work ensures autistic children are identified earlier and receive more effective supports when they need it most.  

Professor Whitehouse has published more than 350 peer-reviewed journal articles and attracted over $150 million in competitive research grants. He is also a prominent science communicator and regularly presents the award-winning 60 Second Science video series, which has received over two million views.  

His work at The Kids focuses on research leadership and building programs that translate discovery into policy, practice and service delivery at scale, often through close partnership with government agencies, service providers and community organisations.  

Professor Whitehouse established CliniKids, the Institute’s first team combining world-leading research with a clinical service, which facilitates the direct translation of research into clinical practice.

“Receiving the Scientist of the Year award is a genuine privilege. What makes it particularly meaningful is that this recognition reflects a collective effort toward improving the lives of autistic people and their families,” Professor Whitehouse said.

“I’m very grateful to everyone who has been part of the journey. I particularly want to acknowledge the families I’ve been lucky enough to work with over the years. I’m also incredibly fortunate to work alongside so many talented researchers, clinicians and community members who are committed to understanding children who develop differently, their families and those who love them, how we can best support them and how they can go on to live the lives they want to live. Because every child deserves the opportunity to thrive as themselves.”

Associate Professor Lea-Ann Kirkham – Co-Head of The Kids’ Bacterial Respiratory Infectious Disease Group and Microbiology Lead at the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, was honoured for her work as a leader in research focused on developing new ways to prevent and treat childhood respiratory infections.

Associate Professor Kirkham’s groundbreaking work has shaped vaccination policy and clinical practice in Australia and neighbouring countries. She is the co-inventor of Spritz-OM, a novel nasal therapy designed to prevent childhood ear infections, and Co-founder and CEO of Oto Medicines, a WA spin-out company working to take the innovation towards global impact.

Alongside her research and industry leadership, Associate Professor Kirkham is committed to strengthening WA’s research ecosystem and mentoring the next generation of scientists, helping turn discoveries made here into solutions with the potential to s children’s health around the world.

“Receiving this award is a real honour and means a great deal to me. It gives me even more motivation to keep pushing our research towards real-world impact, particularly as we work to progress Spritz-OM. I’m incredibly hopeful about what this innovation could mean for children and families,” Associate Professor Lea-Ann Kirkham said.

“If we can help prevent ear infections and give kids the best possible start in life, then we can make a lasting difference to their health and futures, here in WA and hopefully well beyond.”

The Kids’ Executive Director Professor Caroline Homer AO, congratulated the pair on their success and commended all The Kids finalists.

“I am immensely proud of Professor Whitehouse and Associate Professor Kirkham for their achievements in improving health and wellbeing outcomes for children and families,” Professor Homer AO said. 

“Seeing our researchers recognised among Western Australia’s brightest scientific minds is a powerful endorsement of our unwavering commitment to translating research into real-world impact at The Kids. We are hugely grateful to our partners, funders and donors whose support and generosity makes research and awards like these a reality.

”We also extend our warmest congratulations to our four other finalists including Professor Desiree Silva, Associate Professor Glenn Pearson, Dr Jessica Buck and Michael Dymock," Professor Homer AO said.

For more information on this year’s WA Premier’s Science Awards winners, click here to read Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti and Science and Innovation and Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson’s media release.