2025 ATSE Award winners
Professor Lei Zhang
Digital health innovator
Professor Lei Zhang is a global leader in digital health innovation whose pioneering work integrates artificial intelligence, epidemiology, and health economics to transform disease prevention and healthcare delivery. He has developed and commercialised AI-assisted tools for STI and cervical cancer screening, shaped national and international health policies, and established two world-class research centres across Australia and China. His technologies have improved access to care, informed multi-country strategies, and generated measurable health and economic impact. Through his leadership, Professor Zhang has redefined how science and technology can drive real-world outcomes in public health in Australia and across the Western Pacific.
Professor Andrew Harris
Multidisciplinary entrepreneur
Professor Andrew Harris is one of Australia’s most prolific academic entrepreneurs, pioneering breakthrough technologies at the industry-academia interface for 20+ years. His innovations span renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable materials processing, generating over $0.5+ billion in economic impact and creating 410+ high-tech jobs in Australia. As Technical Innovation leader at Laing O’Rourke and co-founder of 8 successful cleantech ventures—including Novalith (green lithium processing), HAZER Group ($105M market cap), and Sicona Battery Technologies—he has transformed industries through practical technology solutions. His ”Inventing the Future” program has mentored 240+ innovators, with alumni raising $70M+ in start-up funding.
Associate Professor Azure Hermes
Indigenous genomics innovator
Associate Professor Azure Hermes, a proud Gimuy Walubara Yidinji person and Traditional Custodian of the Cairns region, is the Deputy Director of the National Centre for Indigenous Genomics (NCIG) at the Australian National University. Renowned for her leadership in culturally safe genomics, she engages Indigenous leaders, facilitates consent processes, and advises on policy through national committees. Azure’s academic work on community engagement is recognised nationally and internationally. Her efforts ensure Indigenous leadership in genomic research, transforming how genomics benefits Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities with cultural integrity and ethical governance.
Professor Shaun Gregory
Artificial heart pioneer
Professor Shaun Gregory is a pioneering leader in cardiovascular engineering who highlights the critical role of engineering in addressing global health challenges. As Biomedical Engineering Lead and Co-Director of the Artificial Heart Frontiers Program, he is developing and commercialising life-saving artificial heart technologies that will improve patient outcomes worldwide. As the creator of the international _Heart Hackathon_ initiative, he promotes global engineering education and inspires young engineers worldwide to pursue careers in biomedical engineering. Despite his relatively young age, his work has transformed clinical practices, driven substantial economic impact, and positioned Australia as a leader in cardiac medical technology.
Associate Professor Noushin Nasiri
Nanoscale trailblazer
Associate Professor Noushin Nasiri is internationally recognised for her exceptionally innovative work in nanotechnology and nanosensing. Her research has led to transformative advances in flexible, high-performance sensors for health, environmental, and agricultural monitoring, including SunWatch for UV detection and the NanoElectronic Nose for breath-based diagnostics. Her patented technologies are licensed, trialled in real-world applications, and supported by over $3.5m in competitive funding. A champion of equity in STEM and celebrated through prestigious national awards, Nasiri exemplifies scientific excellence and real-world impact, bridging academia and industry to deliver solutions that benefit Australia and global communities.
Zachary DiPetro
Ultra-low fiction polymer scientist
Zachary DiPietro is an exceptional PhD student at the University of Newcastle, working to create novel ultra-low friction polymer coatings. Zachary graduated from a Bachelor of Advanced Science (Chemistry) with Distinction and first-class Honours in 2023, receiving two College medals and various awards for his efforts. In the first year of his PhD, Zachary presented his research at five symposia, earning two awards for excellent scientific communication. His dedication to developing future chemistry researchers is further evidenced from his teaching experience and his role as co-founder and Vice President of the reformed University of Newcastle Chemistry Society.
