The state government has increased the prize money for the Premier's Science Awards, making them the richest of their kind in the country.
The state government has increased the prize money for the Premier's Science Awards, making them the richest of their kind in the country.
The total prize pool offered to award recipients will be boosted to $400,000 and will also include for the first time a new student category.
Premier and science and innovation minister Alan Carpenter today called for scientists, researchers and science educators at all levels, along with students studying science, to nominate their peers in this year's awards.
"Brilliant science is taking place at all levels in the State and to recognise this, the Premier's Science Awards are now open to secondary, TAFE and university students," Mr Carpenter said.
"The award will encourage our younger generation to take up science at school so they can become a part of our science future.
"WA is not only producing remarkable science, it is teaching remarkable science to our students, who are themselves creating scientific discoveries that are leading to breakthroughs that will help the community.
"I encourage WA's science community to nominate your peers, your students, or anyone you know who is contributing to our science success in this year's Premier's Science Awards."
Last year's winners continue to excel, with Dr Kristen Nowak, WA Young Scientist of the Year, travelling throughout Western Australia promoting science to our younger generation and encouraging women in science.
WA 2007 Science Communicator Outside the Classroom and Herdsman Lake Wildlife Centre Manager Roger Harris believes winning the award last year opened his eyes to all the science that is taking place in WA.
"Winning this award has been a wonderful experience for me. I have been rubbing shoulders with other science community members, bouncing and sharing ideas on how to communicate science to students and retain science teachers," Mr Harris said.
"I believe this award will start to lift the profile of science in all areas, particularly science educators, and you know what, I love my job but being recognised for doing what I love is fantastic."
Categories in the awards include Scientist of the Year ($100,000), Young Scientist of the Year ($50,000) and Excellence in Science Communication outside the Classroom ( ($50,000).
Nominations close 5pm on Thursday July 31.
