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Professor Kishan Dholakia, from the School of Physics and Astronomy at St Andrews and Director of the at the University of Adelaide, Australia, has been elected a , one of the nation’s highest scientific honours.

Professor Dholakia has been recognised extensively for his work in the field of photonics: the science of light. His contributions span fundamental advances in optical physics through to transformative interdisciplinary applications, particularly in collaboration with biologists and clinicians. His research has influenced areas ranging from precision measurement and imaging to biomedical diagnostics and therapeutics.

At the University of St Andrews he was at the heart of establishing the internationally renowned with the mission of promoting interdisciplinary research and training between advanced optical imaging, photonics, and biomedical sciences. The Centre has attracted more than £10 million in funding and is a leader in the development and application of light based technologies to investigate biological process at molecular, cellular and tissue scales.

As Director of the Centre of Light for Life, Professor Dholakia has played a pivotal role in establishing Adelaide as a growing hub for photonics research and innovation. Under his leadership, the Centre has expanded its research footprint, strengthened global collaborations, and attracted emerging talent to South Australia.

“I am deeply honoured to be elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science,” Professor Dholakia said. “This recognition is shared with the many team members and collaborators around the world who have supported and contributed to my work throughout my career. Their dedication has been central to this achievement.”

St Andrews School of Physics and Astronomy Director of Research, Professor Philip King said: “This is a richly deserved recognition of Professor Dholakia’s pioneering work in photonics and biophotonics. His research has advanced the frontiers of imaging, optical trapping, and precision measurement, with broad international impact. We are delighted to see these achievements recognised through his election to the Fellowship of the Australian Academy of Science.”

Professor Dholakia is the recipient of numerous international prizes and Fellowships, including the International Optics and Photonics Society (SPIE) Dennis Gabor Award, the Institute of Physics Thomas Young Medal and Prize, the Optica R.W. Wood Prize, the Royal Society London Wolfson Merit Award and, in 2025, received the South Australia Scientist of the Year award.

The Australian Academy of Science is a fellowship of the nation’s most distinguished scientists, elected by their peers for outstanding contributions to knowledge. Fellowship represents one of the highest honours in Australian science.