- The Awards have recognised and celebrated Western Australia's STEM champions for 22 years
- Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in September
The search is on again for Western Australia's next science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) champions, with applications now open for the 2023 Premier's Science Awards and WA Science Hall of Fame.
Now in their 22nd year, the awards recognise outstanding achievements in scientific research, study and engagement by Western Australians, and cover all fields of science including natural, medical, applied and technological science, engineering and mathematics.
The awards have shone a spotlight on WA's finest STEM talent since 2002, highlighting work that is helping to improve the lives of not only Western Australians, but communities around the world.
STEM skills underpin our State's ability to address local and global issues across all industries, including health and medical life sciences, defence, new energies and space.
The 2023 award categories include:
- 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)
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in September, with category winners sharing $100,000 in prize money.
Former winners include a range of notable Western Australians, including the winner of the prestigious 2022 Scientist of the Year, Australian Laureate Fellow and John Curtin Distinguished Professor Kliti Grice, an internationally renowned organic geochemist known for her work in identifying geological and environmental causes for mass extinction events that shaped life on Earth.
Joint-winner of the 2022 ExxonMobil Student Scientist of the Year, Dr Kat Ross was recognised for her research on supermassive black holes, and her role in encouraging more young women into STEM fields as founder of the national campaign #IncludeHer.
The WA Science Hall of Fame inductee will also be announced at the ceremony. The WA Science Hall of Fame was established in 2007 to recognise exceptional and lifelong contributions made by Western Australians to STEM, and the community of WA is encouraged to nominate an outstanding, eminent researcher.
The 2023 Premier's Science Awards are proudly sponsored by:
- Gold Sponsors: Shell and Woodside;
- Silver Sponsor: DUG;
- Bronze Sponsors: CSIRO and Pawsey Supercomputing Centre;
- University Sponsors: Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, The University of Notre Dame Australia, The University of Western Australia;
- Sector Sponsor: Telethon Kids Institute;
- Community Partners: Scitech and The Western Australian Museum; and
- Media Partner: The West Australian
Applications for the 2023 Premier's Science Awards and nominations for the WA Science Hall of Fame close at 10.00am AWST on Thursday 27 April. For further information, visit the Premier's Science Awards jtsi.wa.gov.au/ScienceAwards or the WA Science Hall of Fame https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-jobs-tourism-science-and-innovation/science-hall-of-fame
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"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.
"The high calibre of past Premier's Science Award winners is testament to the talent and ingenuity of WA's scientific community.
"The exciting research and engagement happening here in WA positively impacts the economy, environment and wellbeing of our people, and my Government is committed to strengthening participation in STEM so we have the exceptional talent needed for the careers of the future.
"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."
As stated by Science Minister Roger Cook:
"The awards celebrate our State's amazing scientific achievements and capabilities, which are integral to the diversification of the economy, and are key in building a STEM culture in Western Australia.
"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.
"The awards recognise our State's highest achievers and serve as an inspiration to anyone considering a career in STEM and the exciting opportunities it offers."
