Two Indian-origin South Australian scientists have been honoured with 2025 Young Tall Poppy Science Awards for their research aimed at improving lives — from breaking down barriers for migrant and disabled workers to boosting global health through physical activity.
Flinders University’s Dr Ashokkumar Manoharan, Senior Lecturer in Strategic Management and researcher at the Centre for Social Impact, was recognised for his work on workforce diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Collaborating with international partners, Dr Manoharan’s research focuses on migrant workers and people with intellectual disabilities, particularly in the hospitality industry.
Dr Manoharan was born and raised in Madurai, India. After completing his bachelor’s degree, he was trained to be a chef; however, he completed his MBA and then M.Sc. in Psychology. He earned his doctorate in Management (University of South Australia).
“My work focuses on addressing systemic barriers faced by people with cognitive disabilities and migrant workers, both in Australia and globally, developing strategies to equip employers with practical toolkits to create accessible and equitable workplaces,” Dr Manoharan said.
“I continue to strive to create workplaces where every individual is not only valued and included but truly belongs.”
Also recognised was Dr Ben Singh from the University of South Australia, a postdoctoral researcher in Population and Digital Health at the ARENA research centre. With a background in exercise physiology, Dr Singh’s work focuses on the role of physical activity in cancer care and digital health.
Dr Singh’s research has been published in leading journals, presented at conferences worldwide, and shared through mainstream media. He collaborates with healthcare organisations and NGOs to improve understanding and practices in exercise oncology, aiming to help people live healthier, more active lives.
The awards will be presented at a special ceremony at the SA Museum on Friday, 8 August. The AIPS promotes science excellence, recognises public engagement of science, enables discussion on how science should impact policy, and drives the critical debates facing Australia and the world.
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