We are very pleased to announce the outcomes of the 2022 Premier’s Science Fellowship Program.
Professor Graeme Cumming and Professor Ben Phillips have been appointed as Premier’s Science Fellows.
Dr Abbie Rogers and Dr Brenton von Takach have been appointed as Premier’s Early to Mid-Career Fellows.
The 4 appointments will mean significant growth for research in the State in the fields of coastal science and data analytics and tools for biosecurity, addressing needs and delivering benefits and opportunities.
Over the past 4 years, the Western Australian Government has committed $3 million to attract and keep 4 world-class researchers.
“It is fantastic to be able to bring such brilliant scientific talent to WA and help them grow their research to benefit coastal management and biosecurity, 2 areas of critical importance to our State,” said WA Premier Roger Cook.
“I am also pleased that this funding will ensure WA is able to retain the expertise of the 2 Premier’s Early to Mid-Career Fellows, who are already working here. For each, their partnership with a Premier’s Science Fellow will accelerate and expand their career, to the benefit of WA.
“All 4 Fellows will serve as ambassadors for science in WA and encourage further investment into their fields of study.”
Professor Cumming and Dr Rogers will work together as Premier’s Fellows to advance coastal management through studying interactions between people, nature and economics in coastal environments, especially protected and adjacent areas, and land and seascape changes. They will be hosted by the University of Western Australia.
Professor Phillips and Dr von Takach will work together as Premier’s Fellows to leverage genomics technologies and biological invasion theory to develop decision support tools to assist biosecurity, targeted at surveillance, spread, containment and eradication of invasive species. They will both be hosted by Curtin University.
“The WA Government is proud to continue its investment in attracting the best and brightest to our shores via the Premier’s Science Fellowship Program,” said Science Minister Stephen Dawson.
“This is also an investment in future research talent whom the Premier’s Fellows will train and mentor.”
The new Fellows will join the previous 15 leading scientists brought to WA by the Premier’s Science Fellowship Program and versions of the same over the past 19 years. 2 are still current Fellows.
12 of the 13 former Fellows remained in WA beyond their appointed term, with 10 of these currently still actively involved in research in the State.
These amazing recipients have developed outstanding research in these fields, greatly benefitting WA. You can read more about the 2022 recipients and their incredible initiatives at the Premier's Science Fellowship Program webpage.
Applications for the 2023 round are also available now! Find out more or apply now at Premier's Science Fellowship Program: 2023 Round Application Information
