Child and Adolescent Health Service’s Post

Perth Children’s Hospital clinician researcher Professor Asha Bowen OAM has been named Mid-career Scientist of the Year at the 2025 at the Premier’s Science Awards. The prestigious accolade recognises Professor Bowen’s passionate efforts to improve the skin health of Aboriginal children. The infectious diseases paediatrician’s research has focused on the prevention of skin infection and the serious consequences that can follow, including rheumatic heart disease. Professor Bowen led the landmark SToP Trial – a partnership with nine remote Kimberley communities – which resulted in Australia’s largest community-wide skin infection prevention program, successfully halving the prevalence of skin sores in remote Aboriginal children. Partnering with Aboriginal communities has enabled Professor Bowen to deliver practical solutions for these communities including clinical trials and culturally relevant resources. In addition to her work at PCH, Professor Bowen leads the Healthy Skin and Rheumatic Fever Prevention team at The Kids Research Institute Australia and holds a Clinical Professorship with The University of Western Australia’s Medical School. The Mid-career Research Award is given for excellence in a field of science, scientific research or technology advancement. Congratulations to Professor Bowen on this significant honour. Asha is pictured below with her son Zac who accompanied her to the event.