The Premier’s Prizes for Science & Engineering – Awards 19th November 2026

The Premier’s Prizes for Science & Engineering (Prizes) recognise excellence in science and engineering, and reward leading researchers and educators for cutting-edge work that has generated economic, environmental, health, social or technological benefits for NSW. The Prizes aim to raise community awareness and appreciation of the important contribution scientists, engineers and educators make and encourage careers in STEM fields

Award: The Leadership in Innovation Award

Leadership in Innovation in NSW Awarded to an individual demonstrating excellence in leadership in the application of novel ideas and techniques to address challenges, solve problems and generate new knowledge for the benefit of New South Wales.

Winner

Professor Paul Keall

Director of the Image X Institute and National Health and Medical Research Council Leadership Fellow, University of Sydney

Professor Paul Keall is a medical physics researcher leading scientists, clinical partners and international collaborators to create novel cancer imaging and targeted radiation therapy methods, translating many of these into clinical practice.

His research has improved the lives of millions of cancer patients and delivered benefits for NSW more broadly by employing highly skilled workers, training the next generation of scientists, creating new medical devices and clinical trials, and generating economic returns.

One of Paul’s most notable innovations is a pioneering method to image lungs during breathing with computed tomography. Called four-dimensional CT, it is now its own field of research and a globally used clinical tool. Collectively, his medical devices have resulted in over 40 approved and filed patents, with 20 licences to 10 companies. Five globally available products have directly resulted from these licences, with five more in development.

Paul has launched a NSW startup – SeeTreat – to reduce the burden of cancer by creating globally accessible personalised cancer therapy devices. SeeTreat employs over 20 highly qualified staff, including eight PhDs. He has also led 13 clinical trials, including eight first-in-human trials.

Before his current role, Paul was the Director of Radiation Physics at Stanford University. His contributions to cancer research are internationally recognised, with ExpertScape ranking him #1 worldwide of over 10,000 scientists and clinicians in image-guided radiotherapy. He has over 400 publications, with over 32,000 citations an h-index of 90.

ACPSEM extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Paul Keall, a Distinguished Fellow of the College, on receiving this outstanding award!