Curtin University researchers, teachers and students have been acknowledged among the best in Western Australia, winning big at the annual Premier’s Science Awards — including jointly taking out the event’s most prestigious prize.
At a gala ceremony at Optus Stadium last night, John Curtin Distinguished Professor Sharon Parker was awarded the evening’s top honour, being named co-winner of the Scientist of the Year category for her work at the Future of Work Institute.
Professor Parker also won the event’s People’s Choice Award.
Professor Morten Allentoft and Dr Alexandra Yeung from the School of Molecular and Life Sciences were named Mid-Career Scientist of the Year and STEM Educator of the Year – Tertiary.
Also from the School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Brodie O’Breza was named Aboriginal STEM Student of the Year.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne congratulated Curtin’s award winners and finalists and said it was a wonderful evening for the University.
“The WA Premier’s Science Awards are one of the state’s most prestigious accolades,” Professor Hayne said.
“Winning multiple categories – including the event’s major award – is a fantastic acknowledgement of not just the individual winners, but the many world-class science programs happening at Curtin.
“Congratulations to all, especially Professor Parker, Professor Allentoft and Ms O’Breza – you are worthy winners and the Curtin community is very proud.”
Professor Parker was named joint Scientist of the Year for equipping Australian organisations to evolve and flourish in the technology-driven innovation age as Director of the Centre for Transformative Work Design at the Future of Work Institute.
Professor Parker said it was an honour to receive the award and have her team’s work recognised.
“Work design may not sound exciting, but the quality of our research has a profound and lasting effect on people’s lives, given the average person spends 90,000 hours of their life working,” Professor Parker said.
“Well-designed work promotes connection, learning, and meaning and supports our health and wellbeing, but poorly designed work causes burnout, accidents, alienation and even premature mortality.
“I thank my family, friends and the large team of colleagues, collaborators and partners that this award reflects and who have helped to bring science to the study of work.”
From Curtin’s Trace and Environmental DNA Laboratory (TrEnD Lab), Professor Allentoft’s research into our ancient ancestors, the world in which they lived and what we can learn from it, has been widely published in highly regarded journals — including five papers in Nature this year alone.
Professor Allentoft said the award was a tremendous honour and he was humbled by the acknowledgement.
“My colleagues have provided such a welcoming and stimulating environment since I arrived here a few years ago,” Professor Allentoft said.
“The School of Molecular and Life Sciences and BHP’s social Investment Fund have been incredibly supportive of our research to improve biodiversity monitoring in Australia and elsewhere.”
Dr Yeung said she was honoured to have her passion for chemistry education recognised on the evening and thanked her mentors, colleagues, students, friends and family.
“My broad aim is to improve students’ perceptions and understanding of chemistry through science inquiry activities, Dr Yeung said.
“This is achieved by investigating how students learn chemistry, ways to foster student engagement and ways to improve their learning.”
Ms O’Breza is currently in Fiji furthering her Coastal and Marine Science and Environmental Management studies by spending a semester at the University of the South Pacific as a New Colombo Scholar.
A proud Torres Strait Islander from Saibai Island, Ms O’Breza is also undertaking an internship focusing on conserving the marine areas around the country’s various islands.
“I’m incredibly proud to win this award and represent my home,” Ms O’Breza said.
“I’m extremely grateful to so many people from Curtin for their encouragement and for continuously pushing me to step out of my comfort zone and allowing me to see how much I can actually achieve.”
The Premier’s Science Awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding scientific research and engagement taking place in WA.
For more information on the 2024 winners, visit here.
