On Monday 16 August 2021 Western Australia's top science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) researchers, students and communicators were celebrated at the Premier's Science Awards ceremony.
Science Minister Roger Cook presented Professor Eric May from The University of Western Australia with the prestigious Scientist of the Year award and its $50,000 prize. Professor May is an internationally recognised leader in the areas of fluid science, thermodynamics, and natural gas engineering. His development and use of measurement technology has produced explanations for long-standing scientific mysteries, revealed unexpected physical phenomena, and helped improve industrial processes.
During the ceremony at the WA Museum Boola Bardip, Professor Richard Hobbs from the University of Western Australia became the 16th person to be inducted into the WA Science Hall of Fame. A leader in his field, Professor Hobbs was recognised for his contribution over the past 37 years to the development and application of ecology - locally, nationally and internationally.
Premier's Science Awards were also presented to:
- Associate Professor Edward Litton (University of Western Australia and Fiona Stanley Hospital) and Dr Arman Siahvashi (University of Western Australia) - joint winners of the Woodside Early Career Scientist of the Year;
- Liam Scarlett (Curtin University) and Niamh Troy (University of Western Australia and Telethon Kids Institute) - ExxonMobil Student Scientist of the Year;
- Daniel Curran (Curtin University) - Shell Aboriginal STEM Student of the Year; and
- FIRST LEGO League WA (Curtin University) - Chevron Science Engagement Initiative of the Year.
This year, there were 22 finalists across five different categories from a diverse range of fields including ecology, geology, physics, artificial intelligence and medicine.
Since 2001, more than 100 Premier's Science Awards have been given to the State's best and brightest researchers, students and communicators.
For more information about the Premier's Science Awards, including the winners and finalists, visit http://www.jtsi.wa.gov.au/ScienceAwards
More than ever before, we are regularly reminded of the important role STEM plays in our daily lives. Over the past two years, we have seen scientists at home and around the world rapidly develop solutions to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Premier Mark McGowan
From challenging teams of 9 to 16-year-olds to use LEGO to solve STEM problems to improving the outcomes of critically ill patients in intensive care, this year's winners reflect the breadth of the exceptional contributions made by Western Australians to science.
Science Minister Roger Cook
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