Smart science leads the way in WA

Science and Innovation Minister Bill Marmion today announced the 15 finalists chosen in this year's Western Australian Science Awards.

Mr Marmion said the range of finalists captured the diversity of the State's successful science sector and was a good opportunity to acknowledge the fantastic work they were doing.

"Science and innovation are important elements in any economy.  A lot of achievements in these areas contribute directly and indirectly to sustainable industry development - developments that would not have necessarily taken place without the hard work and dedication of these talented people," he said.

"That is why educating and encouraging our younger generation to participate in science is vitally important.

"This is becoming easier with the help of some very enthusiastic teachers and the latest advances in technology.  Science education has changed dramatically in recent years - it goes further than the Bunsen burner.  Education is now more interactive and hands on."  

The 2010 Western Australian Science Awards finalists are:

Scientist of the Year - $50,000

Professor Igor Bray (Winthrop) - Director, Institute of Theoretical Physics, Curtin University, ARC Professorial Fellow, Curtin University, deputy director, ARC Centre of Excellence for Antimatter-Matter Studies

Professor Bray, a theoretical physicist and leader in the field of quantum mechanics, is internationally known for co-developing the Convergent Close Coupling theory.  The theory has led to advances in astrophysics, plasma displays, lasers, lighting and fusion energy.

Professor Richard Hobbs (Fremantle) - Professor of Restoration Ecology, The University of Western Australia, ARC Australian Laureate Fellow

Professor Hobbs is widely regarded as one of the most prolific and highly cited ecologists in Australia.  Professor Hobbs' research results have laid the foundations for important developments in understanding of the management and conservation of ecosystems and landscapes, the management of invasive species and the restoration of degraded ecosystems.

Winthrop Professor Michael Tobar (City Beach) - Winthrop Professor, The University of Western Australia, ARC Australian Laureate Fellow

Professor Tobar is a world-leading scientist carrying out cutting-edge research in the invention, creation and applications of precise time, frequency and phase measurement techniques.  His work has resulted in the most pure oscillators and precise measurement systems so far manufactured, with use in radar, telecommunications, fundamental physics and defence applications.

Early Career Scientist of the Year - $10,000

Professor Tony Butler (Shenton Park) - Professor, National Drug Research Institute,

Curtin University

Professor Butler has established a significant National Health and Medical Research Council Capacity Building Grant in the field of indigenous offender health, involving eminent researchers in the field across Australia.  His research has transformed the community and policy boundaries of Western Australian and Australian society.

Dr K Swaminathan Iyer (Crawley) - ARC Australian Research Fellow and the deputy director of the Centre for Strategic Nano-fabrication, School of Biomedical Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, The University of Western Australia

Dr Iyer has developed an independent research career in the field of nanobiotechnology. His research has advanced the understanding of cellular interaction at the nanometer dimension, establishing new techniques for the discrimination of cancer cells and the development of new targeted therapies.

Professor Eric May (Rossmoyne) - Chevron chair in Gas Process Engineering,

The University of Western Australia

Professor May's research combines several aspects of engineering, physics and chemistry and can be described as fluid science for the next generation of natural gas engineering.  His development of new techniques to more accurately measure gas properties has advanced fundamental science and improved engineering models. 

Science Educator of the Year:  Secondary - $10,000

Catherine Morritt (Nedlands) - John Curtin College of the Arts

Catherine has developed a suite of online biology resources and assessments that are used extensively by teachers across the State.  She applies 21st Century teaching and learning skills in building her interactive educational science Wikis.  These provide a challenging and stimulating learning environment where students actively engage and contribute.

Lynette Hillier (Bunbury) - Newton Moore Senior High School

Lynette's innovative science programs have elevated human biology from the weakest performing subject to the top performing subject at the school.  She has worked with a number of local industry partners to develop and enhance the Marine Managers program which sees students monitoring dolphin population.

Tracy Brothers (Lower King, Albany) - Albany Senior High School

Tracy Brothers developed the Marine Science Project. The project teaches students the same sampling techniques used by the Department of Fisheries and universities and enables students to conduct long term, original, unique and meaningful research projects in their local marine environment. 

Science Educator of the Year:  Primary - $10,000

Sherryl Crouch (Leeming) - Burrendah Primary School

Sherryl provides a wide range of learning experiences for her students, fostering an interest in science and a curiosity for learning.  She endeavours to integrate science into other learning areas such as mathematics, English, technology and enterprise and society and environment.

Mrs Brooke Topelberg (North Perth) - Westminster Primary School

Brooke has facilitated positive and measurable changes in student attitudes, results and teacher involvement in science education.  She has implemented a Primary Science Outreach Program, developed a collaborative 'Investigation in Science' DVD and initiated an Upper School Science District Challenge between five schools within the Swan District.

Linda Townend (Shenton Park) - Maylands Peninsula Primary School

Linda uses innovative strategies to engage her students and has designed a collection of challenging science investigation activities to build on and develop students' knowledge and skills across year levels.  Linda has been acknowledged with regional and State awards for her ability to assess and plan for students with different learning styles, needs and cultural backgrounds.

Science Outreach Initiative of the Year - $10,000

MarineDiscoveryWest and the Naturaliste Marine Discovery Centre (Hillarys)

The Department of Fisheries, through its MarineDiscoveryWest education programs, engages the community to participate in, and contribute to, a sustainable future for WA's fisheries and aquatic ecosystems by delivering innovative and hands-on education activities, resources and programs for students, teachers and the wider community.

Science Alive (Bassendean)

Science Alive visits schools, libraries, community groups and tertiary institutions to deliver science presentations, resources and experiments to educate children and adults. Since 1996, more than a quarter of a million WA students have been involved in Science Alive programs.

SPICE (Crawley)

The SPICE program develops innovative teaching and learning science resources that address curriculum needs in WA's schools.  By showcasing local scientific research, increasing interactions between schools and researchers and providing State-wide, targeted, in-school professional development, science is promoted as a viable career with many positive benefits. SPICE is a partnership between The University of Western Australia and the Department of Education.

The winners of the 2010 Western Australian Science Awards will be announced at a presentation luncheon to be held on Wednesday, December 1 from noon to 2.30pm at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.  The Minister will be the keynote speaker. To book, visit http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/scienceawards

From now until December, the State Government will be showcasing a series of innovation programs aimed at fostering innovative industries, partnerships and collaboration in WA. These activities are part of the Government's vision to establish the State as a destination for innovation.  For more information, visit http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au or phone 9263 8277.