The Science Engagement Initiative of the Year category recognises initiatives that have made an outstanding contribution to community awareness, interest and/or participation in science in Western Australia.
Now in its 22nd year, the Premier's Science Awards recognises and celebrates the outstanding scientific research and engagement taking place in Western Australia.
Meet the winner for the Science Engagement Initiative of the Year category:
MissionsConnect
Curtin University
MissionsConnect provides the oldest living culture in the world with the newest technology to address one of Australia’s most pressing national priorities, reconciliation, by providing a shared understanding of the history of European encounters with First Nations people.
The program, led by Professor Reena Tiwari in partnership with Jim Morrison from the Bringing Them Home WA, has garnered widespread success in just six years, including international recognition from UNESCO, raising awareness among participants and audiences of the value of technology. The immersive and interactive virtual reality tool supports truth-telling in indigenous history, has attracted multiple awards and industry funding, and generated considerable interest in the technology used. Its effectiveness is evident from its uptake by State government, Aboriginal and corporate agencies.
