Queenslander Dr Katrina Wruck named 2025 Young Australian of the Year
- Queenslander Dr Katrina Wruck is the 2025 Young Australian of the Year.
- 36 nominees from all States and Territories were in the running for an award.
- The announcement was made by the Prime Minister during a ceremony in Canberra last night.
Queenslander Dr Katrina Wruck has been named the 2025 Young Australian of the Year at the 2025 Australian of the Year Awards.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese presented the award, as well as the Senior Australian of the Year, Australian of the Year and Local Hero, at the National Arboretum in Canberra.
Dr Katrina Wruck was named Young Australian of the Year, while Neale Daniher AO was announced Australian of the Year, Brother Thomas Oliver Pickett AM was named Senior Australian of the Year and Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello were named Local Heros.
The Queensland nominees also included the 2025 Australian of the Year for Queensland, Geoffrey Smith; Senior Australian of the Year for Queensland, Dr Bronwyn Herbert; and Local Hero, Claire Smith.
Premier David Crisafulli congratulated Dr Katrina Wruck on the honour.
"Dr Katrina Wruck has long advocated for First Nations knowledge and shared her passion for science with others," said Premier Crisafulli.
"There are many wonderful people across Queensland who demonstrate dedication and selflessness every day and Dr Wruck is among that group of amazing Queenslanders.
"As 2025 Young Australian of the Year, I am confident she will use this platform to create more opportunities for young Australians and through her work, advocate for greener practices.
"Congratulations to all of the Queensland nominees who represented our state in Canberra and I wish them every success in the future."
2025 Young Australian of the Year: Dr Katrina Wruck
Scientist and entrepreneur
Dr Katrina Wruck's research is giving back to remote communities. Based on her research, Katrina has set up a profit-for-purpose business, Nguki Kula Green Labs, which is poised to transform the consumer goods sector by harnessing the power of green chemistry, while inspiring others to step into STEM.
Katrina's method of converting mining byproducts to zeolite LTA – which can remove contaminants from water that cause hardness – will be commercialised. Her postdoctoral research examines how to break down dangerous 'forever chemicals' into benign ones. Altogether, Katrina's work is a possible foundation for reducing global contamination.
A proud Mabuigilaig and Goemulgal woman who has long advocated for First Nations knowledge, Katrina also participates in community engagement programs. She is frequently told by the students she speaks to that she's the first Indigenous scientist they've met. Her work has been recognised with several awards and she is already well known in her field.
