- Nominations
for the 2024 Premier's Science Awards and Western Australian Science Hall of
Fame are now open
- This
year's awards have a total prize pool of $120,000
- New
category introduced for STEM educators
Applications are now open for the 2024 Premier's Science Awards and Western
Australian Science Hall of Fame, with $120,000 on offer for award winners.
The awards cover all fields of science including natural, medical,
applied and technological science, engineering and mathematics.
This year, the awards welcome new silver
sponsor Baxter Healthcare, and two new bronze sponsors Fogarty Foundation and
NovaCina.
The Premier has extended his thanks to all
sponsors and partners for their involvement in the 2024 Awards, and for their
dedication to supporting diverse, strong STEM talent in Western Australia.
Now in its 23rd year, the Premier's Science Awards recognises
outstanding achievements in research, study, engagement, and education, with
the introduction of two new STEM Educator of the Year awards, for schools
(primary or secondary), and tertiary education (university or registered
training organisation).
In 2023, Scientist of the Year was awarded to Hackett Professor Kadambot
Siddique AM for his work addressing world food security through cereal and
grain legume production.
This year's categories include:
- Scientist
of the Year;
- Mid-Career
Scientist of the Year;
- Early Career Scientist of the Year;
- Student Scientist of the Year;
- Aboriginal
STEM Student of the Year;
- STEM Educator of the Year – Schools (Primary or
Secondary);
- STEM Educator of the Year – Tertiary (University or
Registered Training Organisation); and
- Science
Engagement Initiative of the Year.
The WA community is also encouraged to nominate an outstanding eminent
researcher who could become the next WA Science Hall of Fame inductee.
The WA Science Hall of Fame was established in 2007 to recognise
exceptional, lifelong contributions made by Western Australians to STEM.
Last year Emeritus Professor Donna Cross OAM was inducted into the WA
Science Hall of Fame, in honour of her impactful work shaping major school
bullying prevention programs across the country.
Applications for the 2024 Premier's Science Awards and nominations for
the WA Science Hall of Fame close 10am Australian Western Standard Time, on
Friday, 26 April 2024.
The official sponsors and partners of the 2024
awards are:
- Gold sponsors - Shell Australia, Woodside Energy;
- Silver sponsors - Baxter Healthcare, DUG;
- Bronze sponsors - CSIRO, Fogarty Foundation,
NovaCina, Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre;
- University sponsors - Curtin University, Edith Cowan
University, Murdoch University, The University of Western Australia;
- Sector sponsor - Telethon Kids Institute;
- Community partners - Scitech, WA Museum; and
- Media partner -
The West Australian.
For further information, visit the Premier's Science Awards webpage at jtsi.wa.gov.au/ScienceAwards or the WA Science Hall of Fame webpage
at https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-jobs-tourism-science-and-innovation/wa-science-hall-of-fame
Comments attributed to Premier
Roger Cook:
"The Premier's Science Awards spotlight the importance of STEM skills in
shaping our future prosperity and diversifying our economy.
"Winners and finalists for the Premier's Science Awards and WA Science
Hall of Fame become important ambassadors and inspire future generations to
take up courses and careers in STEM.
"I encourage members of the WA STEM community to apply for an award or
nominate someone who deserves to be inducted into the WA Science Hall of Fame."
Comments attributed to Science
Minister Stephen Dawson:
"This year's awards introduce a new category to acknowledge and
recognise the important work STEM educators do in our schools and tertiary
institutions.
"It's these educators that play a key role in inspiring and training
WA's next generation of STEM professionals to ensure our State has the skilled
workforce to make it a global hub for technology, innovation and investment.
"WA researchers, students and engagement providers are using their STEM
skills right now to solve real-world problems, improve lives and protect the
environment for the benefit of Western Australians."
