- 34 finalists have been announced for the 2024 Premier’s Science Awards (PSA)
- Winners will share in a record prize pool worth $120,000
- For the first time a People’s Choice Award to be included
The Premier’s Science Award (PSA) finalists have been revealed with 34 qualifiers competing in eight categories, including four for the illustrious Scientist of the Year.
The record breaking $120,000 prize pool will award $50,000 to the Scientist of the Year and $10,000 to the winners of the other categories.
This year the PSA has three new categories, two of which recognise STEM education in the State; STEM Educator of the Year – Schools (Primary and Secondary) and STEM Educator of the Year – Tertiary (Universities and Registered Training Organisations).
For the first time the Western Australian community are also being invited to get involved and vote for their favourite finalist across all the categories. The finalist with the most votes will be awarded with a People’s Choice trophy at the ceremony.
Each year the PSA program recognises and celebrates the outstanding scientific research and engagement happening in Western Australia.
Three esteemed panels of judges oversaw the assessment process to determine the finalists for each award.
Over 110 awards have been given out through the PSA program since it was established in 2002.
The PSA serves as an important promotion tool for science and STEM within WA, along with enabling the Western Australian Government’s Diversify WA goals for the economy.
Previous award winners include Hackett Professor Kadambot Siddique AM – Scientist of the Year 2023 – for his 35-year body of work, including his research in addressing world food security.
The PSA are sponsored by gold sponsors Shell and Woodside; silver sponsors Baxter Healthcare and DUG; and bronze sponsors, CSIRO, Fogarty Foundation, NovaCina and Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre.
The awards are also supported by sector sponsor Telethon Kids Institute; community partners Scitech and the Western Australian Museum; media partner The West Australian; and Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University and The University of Western Australia.
Winners for the 23rd annual Premier’s Science Awards will be announced at a ceremony on 19 August 2024.
For more information and how to vote in the People’s Choice Award go to:
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
“STEM skills are critical to building a smart, sustainable State and creating the jobs of the future.
“This year’s Premier’s Science Awards recognise STEM educators who are on the frontline of engaging and expanding our STEM capabilities.
“Award winners and finalists become vital role models and help inspire future generations to take up courses and careers in STEM.
“Now in the 23rd year, recipients of the Premier’s Science Awards will share in a record prize pool of $120,000.”
As stated by Science Minister Stephen Dawson:
“Another year and we have another fantastic round of very talented finalists for the Premier’s Science Awards.
“We have an incredible cohort of scientists, researchers and innovators here in Western Australia and the PSA plays an important role in raising the profile of these unsung heroes as well as the importance of STEM.
“For the first time we’re including a People’s Choice award for the Western Australian public to have a say on their favourite finalist.
“The PSA is a chance to turn the spotlight on these dedicated individuals who are using their knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems, to better understand the universe or focus on improving people’s lives.”
Full list of Premier Science Award finalists:
Award | Finalists |
Scientist of the Year | Professor Jacqueline Batley Professor Aleksandra Filipovska John Curtin Distinguished Professor Sharon Parker Professor Markus Schlaich |
Mid-Career Scientist of the Year | Professor Morten Allentoft Associate Professor Elisabete da Cunha Associate Professor Gianina Ravenscroft Associate Professor Sascha Schediwy |
Early Career Scientist of the Year | Dr Eleanor Dunlop Dr Lucy Furfaro Dr Pamela Laird Dr Kieran Mulroney Dr David Preece Dr Neil Robinson |
Student Scientist of the Year | Stephanie Enkel Somayra Mamsa Nicola Principe Tamara Veselinovi |
Aboriginal STEM Student of the Year | Brodie O’Breza Jaida Penny Amos Dinny Tjampitjinpa Smith Dakota Winter |
STEM Educator of the Year Schools (Primary and Secondary) | Nathan Curnow Annabel Kanakis Dr Roslyn London Larissa Waghorn Stephen Warwick |
STEM Educator of the Year Tertiary (Universities and Registered Training Organisations) | Dr Pejman Rowshan Farzad Associate Professor Zoe Richards Dr Alexandra Yeung |
Science Engagement Initiative of the Year | Australian Marine Debris Initiative Tangaroa Blue Broome Festival of STEM Telethon Kids Institute Einstein-First The University of Western Australia Seeds for Snapper – Ozfish Unlimited Fremantle Chapter |
