Leading autism researcher, Professor Andrew Whitehouse from The Kids Research Institute Australia, has today been named a finalist in the 3M Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science.
Professor Andrew Whitehouse
Presented annually, the prestigious Australian Museum Eureka Prizes reward excellence in the fields of research and innovation, leadership, science engagement and school science.
The nomination of Professor Whitehouse, who is also a Professor at The University of Western Australia, is in recognition of his outstanding leadership in the area of autism which includes significant research achievements combined with scientific and policy leadership, science communication, and service development.
Professor Whitehouse’s research career has focussed on discovering the causes of autism, developing methods for the identification of autism within the first year of life, and the trialling of new therapies for these babies.
Professor Whitehouse is also a passionate science communicator, contributes to the advancement of science through his supervision, editorial and reviewer roles, and works with policymakers to improve outcomes for children and families.
At The Kids, he leads a team of over 20 researchers who use a wide range of methodologies to develop new methods for the early detection and intervention of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Professor Whitehouse said it was an honour to be named a finalist for a Eureka Prize.
“I am incredibly grateful for the support, encouragement and guidance I have received from my colleagues, mentors, and most importantly, the autism community,” Professor Whitehouse said.
“The Autism Team at The Kids is undertaking a range of innovative new studies that will hope will ultimately reduce the disability associated with autism and help every child reach their full potential. I am humbled to lead such a creative and dedicated team, and to work with the wonderful autism community.”
The Kids Research Institute Australia Director Professor Jonathan Carapetis congratulated Professor Andrew Whitehouse on his nomination.
"I am extremely proud of Professor Whitehouse’s accomplishments which make him a very deserving Eureka finalist," Professor Carapetis said.
“Professor Whitehouse is a visionary Autism researcher and outstanding scientific leader, who is passionate about improving the lives of children with Autism. There are few researchers in the world who combine his level of scientific achievements with an ability to translate research into policy, communicate effectively with the community about the latest research findings, and work with diverse stakeholders to develop services for kids with autism.”
The winners will be announced at a gala dinner in Sydney on 30 August.
View the full list of finalists here.
About Professor Andrew Whitehouse:
Professor Andrew Whitehouse is the Head and Principal Investigator of the Autism Research Team at The Kids Research Institute Australia and Professor at The University of Western Australia. He is also Chief Research Officer of the Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC) and Adjunct Professor at Curtin University and Edith Cowan University.
Andrew trained as a Speech Pathologist (Curtin University) before completing his PhD in Psychology at the University of Western Australia. He then moved to the University of Oxford to undertake postdoctoral studies, where he was promoted to the Scott Family Junior Research Fellow for Studies in Autism (University College, Oxford); the youngest person to have ever held this position.
In 2009, he returned to Perth to take up his current position within The Kids Research Institute Australia. He is supported by NHMRC Senior Research Fellowship (B) and numerous competitive grants. He leads a team of hard-working researchers, who use a range of scientific methods to promote early identification and intervention for children with autism, and to help each child reach their full potential.
About The Kids Research Institute Australia:
The Kids Research Institute Australia is one of the largest, and most successful medical research institutes in Australia, comprising a dedicated and diverse team of more than 500 staff and students.
We've created a bold blueprint that brings together community, researchers, practitioners, policy makers and funders, who share our vision to improve the health and wellbeing of children through excellence in research.
The Institute is headed by leading paediatrician and infectious diseases expert Professor Jonathan Carapetis, with Founding Director Professor Fiona Stanley now Patron.
The Kids is independent and not-for-profit. The majority of funding comes from our success in winning national and international competitive research grants. We also receive significant philanthropic support from corporate Australia and the community.
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