Finalists in the Premier’s Science Awards have been announced with 19 ground-breaking Western Australian scientists vying for the top awards.
The awards cover all fields of science including medical, natural, applied and technological science, engineering and mathematics.
This year’s finalists include a scientist who has driven major advances in understanding the epigenome; another who was a driving force behind the $50 million Murchison Widefield Array; and a scientist who has advanced the understanding of fluid properties and their applications.
The award categories include Scientist of the Year; Early Career Scientist of the Year; Student Scientist of the Year; STEM Student of the Year, and Science Engagement Initiative of the Year.
The winners of the Premier’s Science Awards and the Western Australian Science Hall of Fame inductee will be announced on 29 September.
Announcing the finalists, Premier Mark McGowan said the COVID-19 pandemic had increased awareness of the role science played in our day-to-day lives.
“Now, more than ever, we must recognise and celebrate the research and technological achievements of Western Australia’s science community,” Mr McGowan said.
“Strengthening participation in STEM has been prioritised by this Government to encourage a globally competitive workforce, with the skills to drive WA’s technological future and create more jobs.”
Minister for Science, Dave Kelly said the continuing prosperity of the State was heavily reliant on science and he hoped the awards would inspire the next generation of Western Australian scientists.
A full list of the finalists can be accessed at this PS News link.
