2025 South Australia Scientist of the Year Prof. Kishan Dholakia has been elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science for 2026, recognising his global leadership in photonics and his long-standing contributions to the science of light.
Academy President Prof. Chennupati Jagadish AC said the latest group of Fellows highlights the strength of Australian scientific research and its ability to transform discoveries into meaningful real-world outcomes.
Prof. Dholakia, Director of the Centre of Light for Life at the University of Adelaide and Professor at the University of St Andrews, is internationally recognised as a leading figure in biophotonics and optical physics. His election places him among Australia’s most respected scientists across fields ranging from fundamental physics to biomedical research.
His research spans major developments in optical trapping, precision measurement and biomedical applications, including imaging, diagnostics and therapies. Throughout his career, he has focused on using light-based technologies to better understand biological processes at molecular, cellular and tissue levels.
Reacting to the honour, Prof. Dholakia said he was “deeply honoured” and described the achievement as a reflection of the efforts of his collaborators and research teams worldwide.
At the University of St Andrews, he played an important role in establishing the internationally recognised Centre of Biophotonics, which secured more than £10 million in funding and brought together researchers from different disciplines to advance optical imaging and biomedical science.
In Australia, he has also helped drive progress through the Centre of Light for Life at the University of Adelaide, strengthening South Australia’s position as an emerging centre for photonics research and innovation. The centre currently includes more than 20 researchers working across interdisciplinary projects.
Over his career, Prof. Dholakia has supervised more than 55 PhD students and mentored over 100 postdoctoral researchers while continuing to maintain a strong research focus.
His achievements have earned him several international honours, including the SPIE Dennis Gabor Award, the Institute of Physics Thomas Young Medal, the Optica R.W. Wood Prize and the Royal Society Wolfson Merit Award.
The Australian Academy of Science said this year’s Fellowship cohort reflects the global impact of Australian science and recognises researchers whose work is delivering benefits beyond the laboratory.
Prof. Dholakia’s election further highlights his lasting contributions to photonics and his role in building international research collaborations across Australia, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia and the United States.
Election to the Academy Fellowship is regarded as one of Australia’s highest scientific honours, awarded to researchers for exceptional contributions to science and discovery.