- Nominations for the 2024 Premier's Science Awards and Western Australian Science Hall of Fame are now open
- This year's awards have a total prize pool of $120,000
- New category introduced for STEM educators
Applications are now open for the 2024 Premier's Science Awards and Western Australian Science Hall of Fame, with $120,000 on offer for award winners.
The awards cover all fields of science including natural, medical, applied and technological science, engineering and mathematics.
This year, the awards welcome new silver sponsor Baxter Healthcare, and two new bronze sponsors Fogarty Foundation and NovaCina.
The Premier has extended his thanks to all sponsors and partners for their involvement in the 2024 Awards, and for their dedication to supporting diverse, strong STEM talent in Western Australia.
Now in its 23rd year, the Premier's Science Awards recognises outstanding achievements in research, study, engagement, and education, with the introduction of two new STEM Educator of the Year awards, for schools (primary or secondary), and tertiary education (university or registered training organisation).
In 2023, Scientist of the Year was awarded to Hackett Professor Kadambot Siddique AM for his work addressing world food security through cereal and grain legume production.
This year's categories include:
- Scientist of the Year;
- Mid-Career Scientist of the Year;
- Early Career Scientist of the Year;
- Student Scientist of the Year;
- Aboriginal STEM Student of the Year;
- STEM Educator of the Year Schools (Primary or Secondary);
- STEM Educator of the Year Tertiary (University or Registered Training Organisation); and
- Science Engagement Initiative of the Year.
The WA community is also encouraged to nominate an outstanding eminent researcher who could become the next WA Science Hall of Fame inductee.
The WA Science Hall of Fame was established in 2007 to recognise exceptional, lifelong contributions made by Western Australians to STEM.
Last year Emeritus Professor Donna Cross OAM was inducted into the WA Science Hall of Fame, in honour of her impactful work shaping major school bullying prevention programs across the country.
Applications for the 2024 Premier's Science Awards and nominations for the WA Science Hall of Fame close 10am Australian Western Standard Time, on Friday, 26 April 2024.
The official sponsors and partners of the 2024 awards are:
- Gold sponsors - Shell Australia, Woodside Energy;
- Silver sponsors - Baxter Healthcare, DUG;
- Bronze sponsors - CSIRO, Fogarty Foundation, NovaCina, Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre;
- University sponsors - Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, The University of Western Australia;
- Sector sponsor - Telethon Kids Institute;
- Community partners - Scitech, WA Museum; and
- Media partner - The West Australian.
For further information, visit the Premier's Science Awards webpage atjtsi.wa.gov.au/ScienceAwardsor the WA Science Hall of Fame webpage athttps://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-jobs-tourism-science-and-innovation/science-hall-of-fame
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"The Premier's Science Awards spotlight the importance of STEM skills in shaping our future prosperity and diversifying our economy.
"Winners and finalists for the Premier's Science Awards and WA Science Hall of Fame become important ambassadors and inspire future generations to take up courses and careers in STEM.
"I encourage members of the WA STEM community to apply for an award or nominate someone who deserves to be inducted into the WA Science Hall of Fame."
As stated by Science Minister Stephen Dawson:
"This year's awards introduce a new category to acknowledge and recognise the important work STEM educators do in our schools and tertiary institutions.
"It's these educators that play a key role in inspiring and training WA's next generation of STEM professionals to ensure our State has the skilled workforce to make it a global hub for technology, innovation and investment.
"WA researchers, students and engagement providers are using their STEM skills right now to solve real-world problems, improve lives and protect the environment for the benefit of Western Australians."
