- 17 finalists announced in five categories across research and engagement
Science central to Western Australia's future development
Winners to be announced at presentation evening, November 21, 2013
Premier and Science Minister Colin Barnett today announced the finalists for the 2013 Western Australian Science Awards.
The awards recognise the outstanding work of the State's best scientists and science communicators in five categories:
Scientist of the Year
Woodside Early Career Scientist of the Year
ExxonMobil Student Scientist of the Year
Science Ambassador of the Year
Chevron Science Engagement Initiative of the Year
Mr Barnett said there was an outstanding pool of applicants this year which was reflected in the judging panel's decision to select 17 finalists across the categories.
"This year's finalists demonstrate the diversity and richness of WA's science community," he said.
"Finalists have been drawn from a wide range of fields including nanotechnology, astrophysics, herbicide resistance, seagrass research and oil and gas infrastructure as well as outreach work in East Timor and a range of important public health initiatives."
The winners and the 2013 Science Hall of Fame inductee will be announced by the Premier at the awards presentation evening on November 21, 2013.
For the first time the WA Science Awards have been supported through corporate sponsorship. Mr Barnett thanked Chevron, ExxonMobil and Woodside for their generous contributions to the award prizes.
Fact File
WA Science Awards established in 2002 to honour the outstanding achievements of WA's science community
The awards celebrate and showcase the State's science capability
For more information, visit http://www.dpc.wa.gov.au/Science
Premier's office 6552 5000
Finalists:
Scientist of the Year
Professor Igor Bray (Winthrop), Head, Physics and Astronomy, Curtin University; Deputy Director, ARC Centre of Excellence for Antimatter-Matter Studies, John Curtin Distinguished Professor of Physics
Professor Igor Bray is world-renowned for his breakthrough research in the area of science that strives to understand how atoms - the smallest building blocks of all matter - interact with each other. His atomic collision theory provides a rigorous model that accurately predicts how particles behave at the atomic scale. The theory is used worldwide by physicists working in both fundamental and applied areas. Accordingly, Bray is one of the most cited scientists in Australia. He is also highly regarded for his contribution to the local schools and science community, through his research and also for promoting major initiatives in the physical sciences.
Winthrop Professor Stephen Powles (Floreat), Professor of Plant Biology and Director, Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative
Professor Stephen Powles is widely acknowledged as the world's leading international authority in herbicide resistance in crops and weeds. He has strongly influenced Australian and international thinking on the need for more sustainable herbicide usage by reducing herbicide reliance and increasing diversity in agro-ecosystems. Powles has made several world first discoveries, especially in agrochemical research. He was the first to reveal the biochemical basis of multiple herbicide resistance in plants and the first to report glyphosate resistance evolution. At all stages Powles ensures that his research outcomes are communicated to end-users, resulting in practice change. Owning a farm himself, he understands and demonstrates what is possible at the applied level.
Professor Mark Randolph (Perth), Professor of Civil Engineering Centre for Offshore Foundations, UWA; Director, Advanced Geomechanics
Professor Mark Randolph is a distinguished geotechnical engineer who has excelled both in academia and in solving real world issues for industry. Since the mid-1980s, Randolph has applied his expertise to meet the scientific and engineering challenges of our local offshore oil and gas industry. Randolph's contributions have ranged from analysis and design of piled foundations; to solutions for offshore foundations, anchoring systems and pipelines. Most importantly, Randolph's leadership has established Perth as an internationally recognised hub for excellence in geotechnical engineering, attracting many international companies to seek solutions in Perth for their geotechnical engineering problems. Much of this innovative research has been adopted by industry internationally.
Professor Steven Tingay (Lynwood), Director, Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy; Director, Murchison Widefield Array; Deputy Director, International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research; Premiers Research Fellow
Professor Steven Tingay has played a central role in Australia and New Zealand's bid to host the multi-million dollar Square Kilometre Array (SKA). Tingay has worked at a national and international level on the SKA project for over a decade, the last six years in Western Australia at Curtin University. In addition to advancing the science and technology case for the SKA in Australia, he has delivered one of the major tangible steps toward the SKA, the $51million Murchison Widefield Array, the first of three official SKA Precursor telescopes to be brought to completion.
Woodside Early Career Scientist of the Year
Dr Hayley Christian (Hamilton Hill) Research Assistant Professor, Centre for the Built Environment and Health, School of Population Health and Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, UWA; NHMRC/ National Heart Foundation Early Career Fellow
Dr Hayley Christian is a public health researcher who focuses on developing, evaluating and translating strategies for increasing physical activity and well-being in adults and children, through built environment interventions. Her research has influenced policy makers, practitioners and researchers globally. This work has wide ranging implications for urban planning and potential to reduce the growing burden of chronic diseases in the Western Australian community. Since completing her PhD in 2008, she has received a NHMRC/ National Heart Foundation Early Career Fellowship and established herself as a successful early career researcher.
Associate Professor Shazzad Hossain (Crawley), Research Associate Professor, ARC Postdoctoral Fellow, Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems, UWA
Associate Professor Shazzad Hossain is a geotechnical engineer who is pioneering a new field of research contributing to the mining industry, specifically in terms of rehabilitation of tailings. This is likely to be incorporated in the Western Australian Guidelines on the Safe Design and Operating Standards for Tailings storage. His research also focuses on developing safer foundations and anchoring systems for both shallow and deep water offshore oil and gas developments in Australian frontiers. Since completing his PhD in 2008, he has built a research team of seven and is an ARC Postdoctoral Fellow.
Dr Ryan Loxton (Como), Senior Lecturer in Industrial Optimisation, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Curtin University
Dr Ryan Loxton's research focuses on computational optimisation in industrial situations. Optimisation problems are concerned with finding the best operation strategy from among all feasible strategies, and abound in almost every area of science and engineering. He has developed a series of computational algorithms for solving challenging optimisation problems involving cancer chemotherapy, sensor scheduling, switched-capacitor DC/DC power converters, zinc sulphate purification, vehicle fleet management, and hybrid power generators. Since completing his PhD in 2010 he has been awarded research fellowships from the ARC and the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
Dr Debbie Silvester (Parkwood), Curtin Research Fellow, Curtin University
Toxic gases can be released into the environment through industrial processes, natural phenomena or as weapons. Dr Debbie Silvester's research involves understanding the fundamental chemistry behind these toxic gases and explosives in order to design and improve sensors for these materials. Her research has impacts for public health and safety, environmental protection, chemical risk assessment and in emergency response and management. Since completing her PhD in 2008, she has established a new research laboratory, co-founded the Electrochemistry and Sensors research group at Curtin University, and received an ARC Discovery Early Career Research Fellowship.
ExxonMobil Student Scientist of the Year
Mr Tristan Clemons (Ferndale), PhD candidate, Chemistry and Biochemistry, UWA
Mr Tristan Clemons' research focuses on applying nanoparticle technology to treat heart disease, breast cancer, colon cancer and central nervous system injuries. His cross disciplinary research has resulted in the filing of an international patent describing nanoparticles for imaging and drug delivery. He is also committed to inspiring students to pursue science careers and is involved in a range of voluntary science engagement activities. He combines his academic work with sporting excellence, representing Australia in hockey.
Mr Matthew Fraser (Ocean Reef), PhD Candidate, Marine Science, UWA.
Mr Matthew Fraser's research focuses on how seagrasses of the Shark Bay region may respond to future environmental changes. His work in this area contributes to conservation of Shark Bay and in developing effective management solutions for the Western Australian marine environment. His commitment to science is demonstrated by his integral involvement in several research projects outside his own PhD research. He is heavily involved in teaching and mentoring students and has implemented an innovative undergraduate program which allows students the opportunity to undertake a practical marine research project. He also writes a marine ecology blog.
Mr Mark Zammit (East Perth), PhD Candidate, Applied Physics, Curtin University
Mr Mark Zammit's research focuses on developing a world class theory that can provide accurate collision data for positron and electron scattering from molecules. Such collision systems are of both theoretical and practical interest. His work has applications in the development of fusion energy production, cancer treatment and detection technologies, i.e. PET scans. He has already developed a breakthrough theory that describes atomic and molecular chemical processes for their application to technologies in medicine and material sciences.
Science Ambassador of the Year
Winthrop Professor David Pannell (Nedlands), Head of the School of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Director, Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy, UWA
Winthrop Professor David Pannell is a prominent commentator on environmental policy in Australia who has dedicated his career to using economics to advance the impact of science in the wider community. Coming from a background of agricultural science, he changed paths into economics to focus on decision making and sound policy. His research includes the economics of land and water conservation; environmental policy and the economics of farming practices. His work has contributed to better translation of science for end-users, tools to embed science in real world decision making, training in more evidence based and scientific approaches to decision making and the utilisation of science in policy.
Professor Ralph Martins AO (Belmont), Foundation Chair and Director Ageing and Alzheimer's Disease, ECU; Director Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research and Care, Director of Research McCusker Alzheimer's Research Foundation.
Professor Martins is a highly respected researcher with numerous breakthrough discoveries who has played a key role in advocating and educating the scientific and wider community to raise the profile of Alzheimer's disease. His leadership and engagement has resulted in an extensive network of international co-operation and knowledge transfer and he has established the Western Australian Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research and Care at Edith Cowan University. He takes an active role in educating the Australian community about Alzheimer's disease including lifestyle habits and diets that can reduce the risk or delay its onset. He also works with groups such as Rotary to establish scholarships for students in developing countries.
Professor Myra Keep (Nedlands), Professor, Structural Geology and Tectonics, UWA
Over the last ten years Professor Myra Keep has developed a range of geological research, teaching and outreach activities in East Timor through significant collaboration with all levels of government, schools and the local community. She initiated the program and has raised all the required funds for her research and engagement activities. Her outreach activities have included the training of young geologists, students, government officials and industry personnel leading to significant community development. She has been instrumental in the development of student links between UWA and East Timor. A number of these students have now returned to Timor as trained geologists, having completed degrees in Australia and elsewhere.
Chevron Science Engagement Initiative of the Year
ARC COE Plant Energy Biology's Education and Outreach Programs (Nedlands)
The ARC Centre for Excellence in Plant Energy Biology's Education and Outreach program includes a variety of strategies to engage the community with plant science. Programs target students, the general public, farmers and industry professionals and aim to promote the importance of science, increase the understanding of the importance of plants and their ability to capture, process and convert energy, and create dialogue between scientists, growers and the general public. The program also showcases the fun and beauty of science, along with its benefits to crop productivity, West Australian agricultural exports, health, and our ability to protect the environment and economy from future threats like climate change and food shortages.
South West Super Science Spectacular (Dalyellup)
The South West Super Science Spectacular is an annual community science festival. It was the largest National Science Week activity in Western Australia in 2013 attracting over 5,500 attendees. The festival featured a series of interactive science based stalls highlighting a range of different scientific concepts, as well as key note speakers Dr Karl Kruzelnicki and Mr Ruben Meerman who inspired audiences to think critically about science. To encourage all socioeconomic members of the community to attend, entry to the event is by gold coin donation, with the logistics of the event being funded through community based grants from local, State and Federal government sources as well as by private industry.
The Ancient Science Initiative (Wembley)
Under the banner of 'Contemporary science meets traditional Aboriginal wisdom', the Ancient Science initiative can be described as a series of workshops delivering a range of hands-on biological and environmental learning experiences for Aboriginal participants, people who work with Aboriginal Communities and the wider community. Established in 2012 by the WA Gould League the initiative is located on the banks of culturally significant Herdsman Lake, and its success has stemmed from strong collaboration and participation from the Aboriginal Community. In 2013, the program had over 3,560 participants and the workshops included lessons from local Aboriginal elders that brought a common understanding between ancient and modern thinking.
