Premier's Science Awards
The Premier’s Science Awards are a valued means of recognising excellence in science by raising awareness of science and technology endeavours in Western Australia (WA).
Introduction
The awards create a sense of community pride in science communication, education and research and provide Western Australians with an opportunity to publicly celebrate, encourage and reward the best scientists, science teachers and science communicators in Western Australia (WA).
WA’s science community can boast two Nobel Prize winners, two Australians of the Year and countless other award-winning scientists, meaningful research, and passionate science educators and communicators.
2008 Awards
The prestigious Premier’s Science Awards are now open.
- Do you know of an excellent science teacher?
- Have you met a wonderful science communicator?
- Are you aware of the work that is being completed by a dedicated scientist?
- Do you know of an exceptional science student?
The Hon Alan Carpenter MLA, Premier of Western Australia, invites the science community to acknowledge and celebrate the State’s excellence in science.
The 2008 Premier’s Science Awards are in the following categories:
- Scientist of the Year - $100,000
- Young Scientist of the Year - $50,000
- Excellence in Science Communication outside the Classroom - $50,000
- Excellence in Science Teaching: Primary - $50,000
- Excellence in Science Teaching: Secondary - $50,000
- Excellence in Science Teaching: Tertiary - $50,000
- Science Student of the Year: Secondary - $10,000
- Science Student of the Year: TAFE - $20,000
- Science Student of the Year: University - $20,000
Nominations close at 5.00 pm, Thursday 31 July 2008.
2007 Award Winners
The 2007 awards dinner and presentation ceremony was held on Thursday 25 October 2007 at Scitech. The night was hosted by Premier, Minister for Science, the Hon Alan Carpenter MLA with guest speaker Professor Rick Shine, Professor in Evolutionary Biology, University of Sydney.
Western Australian Scientist of the Year - $100,000: Professor David Blair - Professor of Physics at the University of Western Australia
David Blair has worked for many years on the worldwide quest to detect gravitational waves. Alongside many students and colleagues at UWA, he has developed a very sensitive detector and the first sapphire clocks. Professor Blair is currently developing the gravitational wave observatory facility near Gingin and the exciting public facility, The Gravity Discovery Centre.
Western Australian Young Scientist of the Year - $50,000: Dr Kristen Nowak - Research Fellow for the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research
Dr Nowak researches rare muscle disorders, which can sometimes lead to complete paralysis at birth. She has made world-first discoveries into the genetics of these diseases, helping to make Perth a global leader in diagnosing these muscle disorders. Dr Nowak is dedicated to finding a therapy for patients with actin-caused muscle diseases.
Premier’s Prize for Excellence in Science Communication Outside the Classroom - $50,000: Mr Roger Harris - Centre Manager at Herdsman Lake Wildlife Centre
Roger Harris has seen a 300 per cent increase in school student participation in the WA Gould League’s education program in the last five years. Last year more than 13,000 students participated in the environmental science and indigenous learning experiences and Mr Harris received an Education Award of Excellence in recognition of his outstanding contribution. Mr Harris’ three keys to success in environmental education are partnership, collaboration and passion.
Premier’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching: Tertiary - $50,000: Professor Paul McMenamin - Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences and School of Anatomy and Human Biology at the University of Western Australia
Professor McMenamin uses innovative methods, such as body painting and model building, to teach clinically important aspects of human anatomy. His role in the medical faculty is to inspire colleagues to strive towards excellence in their teaching and learning with the aim of producing better health professionals for WA.
Premier’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching: Secondary - $50,000: Mr Warwick Mathews - Teacher at Shenton College
Mr Mathews is a passionate educator with a remarkable capacity to create a sense of excitement and discovery. His work has been critical to the success of the science program at Shenton College, initiating programs including the student research vineyard, wine science, and the participation in UWA’s scientists in school program and the international biotechnology competition, the sanofi-aventis International BioGENEius Challenge of Western Australia.
Premier’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching: Primary - $50,000: Mr Allan Whittome - Teacher at Badgingarra Primary School
Mr Whittome is a highly valued colleague among his peers, who holds a depth and intensity of passion for all things scientific. His science lessons are engaging, hands-on, energetic and constantly evolving for students and staff alike. He teaches science through interactive activities and integrating several learning areas.
