Two Environment Institute Members Win 2025 Young Tall Poppy Science Awards

We’re delighted to celebrate two outstanding members of the Environment Institute who have been recognised with South Australia’s 2025 Young Tall Poppy Science Awards. These prestigious awards, presented by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science, honour researchers who combine scientific excellence with a commitment to sharing their passion for science with the broader community.

Dr Georgina Falster, a DECRA Fellow in the University of Adelaide’s School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences, is recognised for her impactful work in climate science. Her research explores local and global water cycles across monthly to multi-centennial timescales. She is particularly focused on understanding how Australian droughts are evolving, using water isotopes to trace dynamic variability within the water cycle.

Dr Nina Wootton, a marine ecologist from the University of Adelaide’s School of Biological Sciences, is acknowledged for her research into plastic pollution in marine environments. Her work includes quantifying plastic and microplastic levels in seafood species around the world, examining how plastics affect marine life and fisheries, and collaborating with the seafood industry to find practical solutions to plastic contamination.

The overall South Australian Young Tall Poppy of the Year will be announced on Friday, 8 August.

To learn more about the Tall Poppy Awards, visit the Australian Institute of Policy and Science website.