Physics prodigy and autism in higher education advocate becomes 2026 Rhodes Scholar

An 18-year-old autistic student from Curtin University has been named WA’s 2026 Rhodes Scholar.

Jamie Erak, who started his university studies at just 14 years old, is a physics honours student and works with Curtin’s Institute of Theoretical Physics.

He is one of the youngest students to be accepted into Curtin University’s science program.

After turning 18 this year, the South Perth local is now bound for Oxford University and will join more than 100 scholars from around the world for a fully funded postgraduate.

Each year nine Australians are selected as Rhodes Scholars — one from each State and Territory, along with three “Australia at Large” scholars.

The Rhodes Scholarship is among the oldest and most competitive international fellowships, awarded to young people who demonstrate