A physicist developing communications technology for spacecraft, and a researcher specialising in youth mental health are among the 26 finalists in the 2023 Premier’s Science Awards.
The finalists were selected from a pool of entrants by three panels of esteemed judges.
Now in its 22nd year, the program has a $100,000 prize pool split between six categories, with the prestigious Scientist of the Year winner receiving $50,000.
Those in the running for the 2023 Scientist of the Year include scientists who have carried out extensive research in fields as diverse as agricultural science, neurological disorders, nutrition-related health and wellness, and blood disorders.
Across all categories, the selected finalists are changing the lives of Western Australians by protecting our health, society and environment, and creating new technologies and industries that diversify our economy.
Congratulations to each of the 26 finalists for their outstanding achievements. These awards continue to showcase that WA is a world-leader in scientific research and STEM endeavours. My Government is proud to invest in research, encouraging young people to consider the exciting possibilities of a future career in STEM at the cutting edge here in WA.
WA Premier Roger Cook
Curtin’s 6 finalists
Six leading Curtin researchers and two of the University’s science engagement programs were named as finalists.
Ground-breaking Alzheimer’s researcher John Curtin Distinguished Professor John Mamo (pictured below), the Director of the Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, is in the running to be named the coveted Scientist of the Year.
Planetary scientist Associate Professor Katarina Miljkovic, from Curtin’s Space Science and Technology Centre, and electrochemistry researcher Professor Debbie Silvester-Dean, from Curtin’s School of Molecular and Life Sciences, are finalists in the Mid-Career Scientist of the Year.
Ear science researcher Dr Rebecca Bennett, from the Curtin Medical School, and clinical psychologist Dr David Preece, from the Curtin School of Population Health and Curtin’s enAble Institute, have been recognised in the Early Career Scientist of the Year category.
Curtin and Telethon Kids Institute PhD student Denby Evans, whose research focuses on improving the lung health of premature babies, was selected for the Student Scientist of the Year category.
Curtin’s BASF Kids’ Lab, a program that seeks to inspire the next generation of scientists among primary school children, and the University’s Missions Connect project, which uses new tools including virtual reality to share WA’s Stolen Generations history, were named finalists in the Science Engagement Initiative of the Year.
Last year, internationally renowned organic geochemist, Curtin Professor Kliti Grice, was announced as the 2022 Scientist of the Year for her research into compound-specific isotope analysis.
“Finalists and award winners in the Premier’s Science Awards go on to become important ambassadors and role models for future generations,” said Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson MLC.
“WA researchers, students and engagement providers are using their knowledge to solve real-world problems, improve people’s lives, protect the environment and understand the universe.
“My congratulations to all who have been nominated and thank you for your continued contribution to STEM advancement in WA,” he said, in a statement.
The 2023 Premier’s Science Awards 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
- Science Engagement Initiative of the Year
This year’s winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 11 September.
For more information on the 2023 Premier’s Science Awards, including the full list of finalists, please visit Premier’s Science Awards: 2023 Finalists web page.
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