Western Australia’s brightest scientific minds and innovators are set to be recognised at the 2023 Premier’s Science Awards, with applications open now.
Established in 2002, the annual awards ceremony celebrates the latest and greatest triumphs by Western Australians in the fields of science, technology, mathematics and engineering (STEM).
In launching the awards, WA Premier Mark McGowan said, “From lifesaving drug discoveries, to world-class research into new energy sources, Western Australian researchers and STEM champions continue to put our State on the global stage.”
This year, the awards span six categories with a generous $100,000 total of prize money to be shared between the winners:
- Scientist of the Year ($50,000 prize);
- Mid-Career Scientist of the Year ($10,000 prize);
- Early Career Scientist of the Year ($10,000 prize);
- Student Scientist of the Year ($10,000 prize);
- Aboriginal STEM Student of the Year ($10,000 prize); and
- Science Engagement Initiative of the Year ($10,000 prize)
Winners of the awards will be acknowledged during the awards ceremony in September, alongside the announcement of this year’s inductee to the WA Science Hall of Fame.
Science Minister Roger Cook said the awards recognise the scientific achievements made state-wide and will serve as inspiration for those seeking to pursue a career in STEM.
It is critical to continue to build on Western Australia’s remarkable science and technology capability and competitive advantage, to address environmental and social challenges and grow a strong and diverse STEM skills pipeline for Western Australia
Roger Cook, Science Minister
Award attracts STEM stars
Last year’s Premier’s Science Award featured 29 highly-competitive nominees including the winner of the 2022 Scientist of the Year award, Professor Kliti Grice.
Professor Grice is an ARC Laureate Fellow who is internationally recognised for her work as a geochemist in determining the causes of mass extinction events throughout Earth’s history.
“The high calibre of past Premier’s Science Award winners is testament to the talent and ingenuity of WA’s scientific community,” said Mr McGowan.
The 2023 Awards are backed by an extensive list of industry sponsors including Shell, Woodside, DUG, CSIRO and Pawsey Supercomputing Centre.
Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, The University of Notre Dame and the University of Western Australia are all university sponsors, while Telethon Kids Institute is a sector sponsor.
The Awards has also partnered with Scitech, The Western Australian Museum and The West Australian to deliver the 22nd awards ceremony.
Applications for the 2023 Awards are invited via the Western Australian Government website, with applications closing at 10:00am AWST on Thursday 27 April.
“I encourage members of WA’s STEM community across research, tertiary studies and community engagement to apply for an award, and others to submit a nomination for the WA Science Hall of Fame,” concluded Mr McGowan.
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For more information, and to apply, go to the Premier Science Awards website.
