Ten Western Australian researchers, academics and professionals have been recognised through the 2026 Business Events Perth Aspire Awards, supporting them to take their expertise to leading global conferences.

The recipients were announced today at the Business Events Perth Aspire Awards Presentation Breakfast at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, bringing together Western Australia’s research, academic, industry and business events communities.

Each recipient will receive an AU$6,000 travel grant to support their attendance at an international conference aligned with their field of expertise.

The 2026 recipients represent fields spanning genetics and rare diseases, vaccine development, artificial intelligence, public health, literacy and education, neurorehabilitation, metabolomics, firefighter health and business.

The Aspire Awards are supported by Business Events Perth’s university, research organisation and destination partners, alongside Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre as the program’s 2026 Venue Partner, with audiovisual support provided by AV Partners.

2026 Aspire Award recipients

  • Charlies Foundation for Research Aspire Award: Clinical Professor Nicholas Pachter, Clinical Geneticist, Genetic Health WA.
  • Edith Cowan University Aspire Award: Associate Professor Helen Adam, researcher in culturally responsive literacy and children’s literature, Edith Cowan University’s School of Education.
  • Harry Perkins Institute Aspire Award: Professor Gina Ravenscroft, inaugural Patricia Kailis Chair in Rare Diseases at The University of Western Australia and Group Leader,  Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research.
  • Murdoch University Aspire Award: Dr Monique Ryan, Mass Spectrometry Specialist, Australian National Phenome Centre, Murdoch University.
  • Perron Institute Aspire Award: Ms Taya Hamilton, Project Manager Community Research, Perron Institute.
  • The Kids Research Institute Australia Aspire Award: Associate Professor Alma Fulurija, Head, Strep A Vaccines, The Kids Research Institute Australia.
  • The University of Notre Dame Australia Aspire Award: Professor Lisa Wood, public health and homeless-health researcher and founder of the Home2Health Research Team.
  • The University of Western Australia Aspire Award: Dr Mehwish Nasim, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science, The University of Western Australia.
  • THIS IS FREMANTLE Aspire Award, sponsored by the City of Fremantle: Ms Chrissie Maus FAMI, CEO, Fremantle Chamber of Commerce.
  • Business Events Perth Early Career Researcher Aspire Award: Dr Kiam Padamsey, Edith Cowan University, specialising in the health of bushfire firefighters and the toxic health effects of bushfire smoke.


For 27 years, the Aspire Awards have supported Western Australian professionals, researchers and academics to connect with international peers, share knowledge and build relationships with global networks in their fields.

Through the Aspire Awards, recipients can strengthen recognition of Western Australian capability while building relationships with the associations and organisations behind major international conferences.

The value extends well beyond conference attendance, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, research and industry collaboration, and future international business events to be hosted in Western Australia.

Business Events Perth CEO Gareth Martin said the Aspire Awards demonstrated how Western Australia’s expertise can help strengthen the State’s international connections and support its broader economic objectives.

“This year’s Aspire Award recipients represent an extraordinary breadth of Western Australian expertise, from medical research and artificial intelligence to education, public health and business.

“The Aspire Award recipients help raise the international profile of Western Australia’s research and industry capability, while creating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange and future conferences to be held here in our State.”

Through the Aspire Awards, recipients strengthen their professional capability and international networks while representing Western Australia and building connections that can create opportunities well beyond their conference attendance.

 

ENDS

 

MEDIA CONTACT

Business Events Perth

Domenica Pulver
Senior Marketing and Engagement Manager
dpulver@beperth.com
08 9218 2950

 

Author: Business Events Perth

Funded by the Western Australian Government through Tourism Western Australia and our member partners across the State, Business Events Perth has been securing high value conferences and incentive groups for Western Australia for over 50 years.

Venue Partner: Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre

Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre is Western Australia's flagship convention and exhibition venue, creating moments that connect communities, celebrate achievements and bring people together in the heart of Perth.