Professor Andrew Whitehouse from The Kids Research Institute Australia named Scientist of the Year

World-renowned autism researcher Professor Andrew Whitehouse, from The Kids Research Institute Australia and The University of Western Australia, has been named Scientist of the Year at the prestigious Premier’s Science awards.

The outstanding work of Professor Whitehouse, Deputy Director Research at The Kids Research Institute Australia, Angela Wright Bennett Professor of Autism Research, and Director of CliniKids, was recognised as having transformed autism care both across Australia and globally.  

Professor Whitehouse has spent over two decades transforming autism care through internationally recognised research that has reshaped understanding, diagnosis and clinical support for autistic children.   

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 over 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 Research Institute Australia 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." 
  
The Premier’s Science Awards were announced by Minister for Science, the Hon. Stephen Dawson, at a ceremony at Crown Perth last night.  
 
Now in its 25th year, the Premier's Science Awards recognises and celebrates the outstanding scientific research and engagement taking place in Western Australia.  
 
The Scientist of the Year award recognises a world-class scientist who, over the past 10 years, has demonstrated excellence in a field of science, scientific research or technological advancement 
 
Professor Caroline Homer AO, Executive Director of The Kids, congratulated Professor Whitehouse. “I am immensely proud of Professor Whitehouse for his 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.” 
 
”Congratulations also to Associate Professor Lee-Ann Kirkham from The Kids, who was awarded joint winner of Mid-Career Scientist of the Year. We also extend our warmest congratulations to our four other finalists - Professor Desiree Silva, Associate Professor Glenn Pearson, Dr Jessica Buck and Michael Dymock," Professor Homer AO said.