22/10/2025
Congratulations to Professors Charitha Pattiaratchi, Sascha Schediwy and all of the incredible nominees for your selection as finalists in the 2025 Premier's Science Awards!
Professor Charitha Pattiaratchi is a coastal oceanographer at The University of Western Australia, recognised internationally as a leader in the field. His enduring contributions to WA oceanography are significant and have shaped much of the current knowledge. Using novel techniques including ocean gliders, his major discoveries include dense shelf water transport, tsunami impacts, and the Leeuwin Current system.
Professor Pattiaratchi has advanced fundamental science into practical application through collaborations with government and industry partners, considering sustainable development, research infrastructure, human safety and public outreach. He is an award-winning researcher, a strong mentor to the next generation of researchers and the Leader of our Earth Observation capability.
Professor Sascha Schediwy is an internationally recognised research leader with a demonstrated track record of research excellence spanning the fields of astronomy, space, and national security. He leads the teams that are building the Teranet laser communication ground station network in Western Australia, the laser timing system for Square Kilometre Array radio telescope, and optical technologies that enhance Australia’s national security.
He holds a prestigious Australian Research Council Mid-Career Industry Fellowship, and he has previously won both the Australian Space Awards ‘Academic of the Year’ and ‘Excellence Award’ – the highest individual award. Sascha is the Leader of our Laser Communications and Timing Capability.
ICRAR The University of Western Australia Australian Space Agency
