Excited about the benefits of native bee species

Dr. Kit Prendergast has been awarded the 2026 Early Career Scientist of the Year at the WA Premier’s Science Awards, recognizing her dedication to the conservation of native bees in urban Perth. Her passion for the natural world drives her research, aiming to protect the biodiversity that has developed on Earth.

Initially unaware of native bees, Kit's interest sparked during a university lecture on mating strategies, leading her to a photographic display that showcased the diversity of these bees in Perth. She was captivated by their uniqueness, noting that none resembled honeybees, which fueled her obsession with studying them.