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2022 Premier’s Science Awards finalists announced

Liam Wignell
Liam Wignell
finalists 2022 science
// // 29 of the brightest scientists, engagement programs and STEM students have been named as finalists...

29 of the brightest scientists, engagement programs and STEM students have been named as finalists for this year’s Premier’s Science Awards.

Finalists this year range from a scientist researching the geological and environmental causes for mass extinction events, a professor renowned for artificial intelligence, an astronomer who helped commission the Murchison Widefield Array, and a primary school in the Pilbara.

The 2022 Premier’s Science Awards has seven categories, which include:

  • Scientist of the Year ($50,000 prize);
  • HBF Mid-Career Scientist of the Year ($10,000 prize);
  • Woodside Early Career Scientist of the Year ($10,000 prize);
  • ExxonMobil Student Scientist of the Year ($10,000 prize);
  • Shell Aboriginal STEM Student of the Year ($10,000 prize); and
  • Chevron Science Engagement Initiative of the Year ($10,000 prize).

Winners of the program, as well as the Western Australian Science Hall of Fame inductee will be announced at an awards ceremony to be held during the at Optus Stadium on Monday, 29 August.

Professor Peter Klinken AC, Chief Scientist of Western Australia, will be chairing the judging panel for this year’s program.

Professor Eric May, an internationally recognised leader across fluid science, thermodynamics and natural gas engineering, was announced as scientist of the Year 2021.

“Congratulations to all 29 Premier’s Science Awards finalists for their outstanding achievements in improving the quality of life for so many, and helping cement Western Australia’s place as a world-leader in scientific research,” said Premier Mark McGowan.

The finalists in this year’s awards are a reminder of the power of dedication and perseverance, and why it is important we continue to celebrate scientific achievements across the State.

Mark McGowan, Premier WA

“These awards are key to the WA Government’s efforts to raise the profile of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and developing the skills for the jobs of the future.”

Science Minister and Deputy Premier Roger Cook added that the program underpins the develop of new industries and diversification with the economy.

“The achievements of the finalists in this year’s awards span across many disciplines and industries, and prove that scientific advancements and breakthroughs can come in many forms.

“I would like to congratulate each and every finalist in this year’s awards, and thank you all for your contribution to science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”

Finalists for the 2022 Premier’s Science Awards

Scientist of the Year

John Curtin Distinguished Professor and Laureate Fellow Kliti Grice 
Curtin University 

Professor YC Gary Lee 
The University of Western Australia / Institute for Respiratory Health / Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital 

Hackett Professor Kadambot Siddique 
The University of Western Australia 

HBF Mid-Career Scientist of the Year

Associate Professor Hayley Christian 
Telethon Kids Institute / The University of Western Australia 

Dr Natasha Hurley-Walker 
Curtin University / International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research 

Dr Ana Micaela Martins Sequeira 
The University of Western Australia 

Dr Ana Micaela Martins Sequeira 
The University of Western Australia 

Professor Ajmal Mian 
The University of Western Australia 

Associate Professor Danail Obreschkow 
International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research / The University of Western Australia

Woodside Early Career Scientist of the Year

Dr Rebecca (Bec) Bennett 
Curtin University 

Dr Qi Fang 
Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research / The University of Western Australia 

Dr Nicole Hill
Telethon Kids Institute / The University of Western Australia 

Dr Aaron Jenkins 
Edith Cowan University 

Dr Rachael Zemek 
Telethon Kids Institute / The University of Western Australia

ExxonMobil Student Scientist of the Year

Nikhilesh (Nik) Bappoo 
Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research / The University of Western Australia 

Azadeh Ebrahimi Madiseh 
The University of Western Australia  

Kathryn Ross 
Curtin University 

Rebecca Russell
Curtin University 

Frances Theunissen 
Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science / Murdoch University 

Shell Aboriginal STEM Student of the Year

Aaron Haji Ali 
The University of Notre Dame Australia 

James Hill 
The University of Western Australia / Telethon Kids Institute 

Brianna Ozies 
The University of Notre Dame Australia 

Tahlia Prior 
Curtin University 

Shoshanna Scott 
The University of Notre Dame Australia 

Chevron Science Engagement Initiative of the Year

Autism Academy 
Curtin University 

Dr Magda’s and Nerdy Nard’s Chemistry Zoom Party 
Edith Cowan University 

Innovation Central Perth
Curtin University in partnership with Cisco 

Marble Bar Virtual World 
Marble Bar Primary School 

Peel Bright Minds
Peel Bright Minds, supported by Regional Development Australia Peel Incorporated 

Star Dreaming
Curtin University / International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research / Yamaji Art / Prospero Productions / Last Pixel 

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Liam Wignell

Liam Wignell

Liam has extensive experience across marketing, procurement and project management roles in both the public and private sector. He contributed to Startup News from 2020 to 2023 and was contracted as Managing Editor in 2022.
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