Named the overall winner of the NSW Young Tall Poppy awards 2025 at the official ceremony on 5 September, is marine animal expert Dr Vanessa Pirotta, Adjunct Fellow in the Faculty of Science and Engineering. She is joined by Northern Territory Young Tall Poppy of the Year, conservation biologist Dr Chris Jolly, and NSW Young Tall Poppy, AI developer Dr Richard Savery, an Honorary Research Fellow in the Faculty of Arts.
The three join an elite group of early-career researchers across Australia receiving the accolade, awarded annually by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS).
“We are really proud of these young scientists, who embody what makes Macquarie University special,” says Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Sakkie Pretorius.
“They’re not content to simply publish papers, they are out there with robots in music venues and drones over whale migration routes, showing the world that research is dynamic and accessible.”
Dr Richard Savery, Dr Chris Jolly and Dr Vanessa Pirotta have been honoured for their research excellence.
Dr Pirotta is one of Australia’s leading marine mammal researchers, pioneering the use of drone technology to study humpback whales, blue whales and other marine megafauna around Australian waters.
Her research addresses critical conservation challenges while developing collaborative approaches that bridge Western science with Indigenous knowledge systems through her partnership with the Gamay Rangers.
Dr Pirotta is also lead scientist for Wild Sydney Harbour, Sydney’s first dedicated citizen science program for dolphin and fur seal research.
“My research isn’t just about studying whales and dolphins – it’s about bringing together different ways of understanding our oceans, including knowledge from Aboriginal communities,” Dr Pirotta says.
Dr Savery is a developer of artificial intelligence and robotics who uses music and creativity to program better AI interactions and models. His work includes developing Keirzo, a drumming and rapping robot that learns from human musicians and collaborates with them in real-time performances.
Dr Savery’s interdisciplinary approach uses AI tools while drawing on his background as a professional saxophonist, clarinettist and flautist. His research explores how robotic musicians can work as equal members of a band, adding their own unique style of creative spontaneity.
“I want to use AI to help everyone make music together, no matter their skill level,” Dr Savery says.
Dr Jolly, a Macquarie University Research Fellow and also adjunct research fellow at Charles Darwin University, is the only recipient in the Northern Territory. His work on reptiles includes co-authoring a Field Guide to the Reptiles of the Northern Territory and research into native animal responses to invasive species and changing fire regimes.
“I’m just an animal obsessed child that followed my passion for wildlife into adulthood – now, I have an exciting career doing what I love and care about for a living,” Dr Jolly says.
“I am hoping this recognition will also provide me with opportunities to give back to the Territory and its residents in being able to be involved in more outreach events to help foster a love, passion and understanding of wildlife amongst Territorians.”
The AIPS established the Young Tall Poppy Science Awards to recognise excellence in research and communicating science to broader communities. Winners spend the year sharing their knowledge with school students, teachers and the public.
Macquarie University has a strong history with the Tall Poppy program. Previous winners include Associate Professor Fatemeh Salehi (2023), Dr Amy Cain (2022), Dr Vince Polito (2022), Dr Devika Kamath (2021) and Dr Georgia Ward-Fear (2021).
