Whale expert, marine scientist and science communicator Dr Vanessa Pirotta has been named New South Wales’ 2027 Australian of the Year.
Based in Macquarie University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, Dr Pirotta is a world-recognised marine scientist.
Her research has taken her up close to some of the ocean’s most majestic giants, developing pioneering methods to assess their health, including collecting whale snot using drones.
A regular media commentator, she has also inspired future generations of scientists through her science communication, including appearances on the ABC’s children’s classic Play School.
Dr Vanessa Pirotta with NSW Premier Chris Minns. Picture: Salty Dog
In addition to her teaching and research, Dr Pirotta founded the citizen science project Wild Sydney Harbour and mentors young female Indigenous rangers, the Gamay Rangers, who track marine populations in Sydney’s Botany Bay.
She has conducted research in Antarctica and Madagascar, swum with whales in the South Pacific and been featured in international media, from Vogue to The New York Times.
Earlier this year, she led a training program in Tonga to help local ocean ambassadors collect environmental DNA and monitor whale sightings.
Accepting the award, Dr Pirotta said she was passionate about sharing knowledge.
“We need to understand our blue backyard better,” Dr Pirotta said.
“I’m just sharing knowledge … I want people to feel empowered.”
Dr Pirotta in Antartica. Picture: Supplied
Dr Pirotta hopes her experiences growing up in regional Australia will inspire other young Australians to pursue their passions.
“There should be no boundaries to Australians aspiring for great things,” she said.
“By following your passion and putting in a lot of hard work, we can all learn together. I feel Australia is really wanting to learn together.
“I’m a citizen of migrants. My dad was born in Malta and my mum’s family is from Italy. No one in my family had ever done what I do, so there should be no boundaries for people to follow their passion.
“Australians are curious and, through their interactions with whales and growing awareness of these incredible animals, are recognising that the ocean is an important place for all of us. But we still don’t understand it very well.
“People want to learn more, and I feel we should be sharing this information in accessible and relatable ways.”
Dr Pirotta is passionate about uplifting a new generation of scientists. Picture: Chris Barlow
Announcing the winners overnight, NSW Premier Chris Minns said each awardee had made their communities stronger.
“It is an honour to recognise Dr Vanessa Pirotta as the 2027 NSW Australian of the Year,” the Premier said.
“Her work to protect our marine life is so important, and this accolade will ensure it is shared to a wider audience.”
Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton said: “The Australian of the Year awards recognise the profound contribution everyday Australians make in their communities every day.
“Vanessa embodies this ideal. Her passion for marine science, mentoring the next generation of scientists and commitment to helping all Australians appreciate and understand the beauty, fragility and wonder of our ‘blue backyard’ is inspirational.
“She represents the very best of our university and our mission to help make the world a better place.
“I commend Vanessa on this well-deserved recognition and thank her for making such an incredible contribution to science, our local communities and our nation.”
Dr Pirotta with Gamay Rangers, Bryce Liddell and April Allende, in Tonga 2026. Picture: Vanessa Pirotta
Dr Pirotta will now represent New South Wales in the 2027 Australian of the Year awards, to be announced in Canberra on 25 January 2027.
Take a deep dive into Dr Pirotta’s passion for all things marine science via The Lighthouse .
