- 34 finalists have been announced for the 2024 Premier's
Science Awards (PSA)
- Winners will share in a record prize pool worth $120,000
- For the first time a People's Choice Award to be included
The Premier's Science
Award (PSA) finalists have been revealed with 34 qualifiers competing in eight
categories, including four for the illustrious Scientist of the Year.
The record breaking
$120,000 prize pool will award $50,000 to the Scientist of the Year and $10,000
to the winners of the other categories.
This year the PSA has
three new categories, two of which recognise STEM education in the State; STEM
Educator of the Year - Schools (Primary and Secondary) and STEM Educator of the
Year - Tertiary (Universities and Registered Training Organisations).
For the first time the
Western Australian community are also being invited to get involved and vote
for their favourite finalist across all the categories. The finalist with the
most votes will be awarded with a People's Choice trophy at the ceremony.
Each year the PSA program
recognises and celebrates the outstanding scientific research and engagement
happening in Western Australia.
Three esteemed panels of
judges oversaw the assessment process to determine the finalists for each
award.
Over 110 awards have been
given out through the PSA program since it was established in 2002.
The
PSA serves as an important promotion tool for science and STEM within WA, along
with enabling the Western Australian Government's Diversify WA goals for the
economy.
Previous award winners
include Hackett Professor Kadambot Siddique AM - Scientist of the Year 2023 -
for his 35-year body of work, including his research in addressing world food
security.
The PSA are sponsored by
gold sponsors Shell and Woodside; silver sponsors Baxter Healthcare and DUG;
and bronze sponsors, CSIRO, Fogarty Foundation, NovaCina and Pawsey
Supercomputing Research Centre.
The awards are also
supported by sector sponsor Telethon Kids Institute; community partners Scitech
and the Western Australian Museum; media partner The West Australian; and
Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University and The
University of Western Australia.
Winners for the 23rd
annual Premier's Science Awards will be announced at a ceremony on 19 August
2024.
For more information and
how to vote in the People's Choice Award go to: Premier's
Science Awards (www.wa.gov.au)
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
"STEM skills are critical
to building a smart, sustainable State and creating the jobs of the future.
"This year's Premier's
Science Awards recognise STEM educators who are on the frontline of engaging
and expanding our STEM capabilities.
"Award winners and
finalists become vital role models and help inspire future generations to take
up courses and careers in STEM.
"Now in the 23rd year,
recipients of the Premier's Science Awards will share in a record prize pool of
$120,000."
Comments attributed to Science Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Another year and we have
another fantastic round of very talented finalists for the Premier's Science
Awards.
"We have an incredible
cohort of scientists, researchers and innovators here in Western Australia and
the PSA plays an important role in raising the profile of these unsung heroes
as well as the importance of STEM.
"For the first time we're
including a People's Choice award for the Western Australian public to have a
say on their favourite finalist.
"The PSA is a chance to
turn the spotlight on these dedicated individuals who are using their knowledge and skills to solve
real-world problems, to better understand the universe or focus on improving
people's lives."
Full list of Premier Science Award finalists:
