An internationally renowned organic geochemist is among nine Curtin University finalists in the 2022 Premier’s Science Awards which include researchers, students and three science outreach programs.
John Curtin Distinguished Professor Kliti Grice, ARC Laureate Fellow, founding Director of the Curtin University-based Western Australian Organic and Isotope Geochemistry Centre and a mass extinction and evolution expert who has conducted world-leading research on Earth’s early life, has been named a finalist in the prestigious Scientist of the Year category.
Award-winning astrophysicist Dr Natasha Hurley-Walker, from the Curtin node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR), is a finalist in the HBF Mid-Career Scientist of the Year. Clinical audiologist Dr Rebecca (Bec) Bennett from Curtin’s School of Population Health and the Ear Science Institute is shortlisted in the Woodside Early Career Scientist of the Year category.
Kathryn Ross, also from ICRAR, and Rebecca Russell, from the School of Population Health, have both been recognised in the ExxonMobil Student Scientist of the Year category; and Tahlia Prior, from Curtin’s School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, has been named a finalist for Shell Aboriginal STEM Student of the Year.
Three Curtin University-led programs, including Autism Academy, Star Dreaming, and Innovation Central Perth, are all finalists in the Chevron Science Engagement Initiative of the Year category.
Curtin University Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Professor Chris Reid congratulated all the Curtin finalists who have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to the WA science community.
“It is exciting to see the high calibre of Curtin finalists recognised in this year’s awards, including Professor Grice who has been nominated in the esteemed category, Scientist of the Year,” Professor Reid said.
“From unlocking the secrets of how Earth began to amplifying the unique skills of people on the autism spectrum, to helping us understand the Universe through astronomy, and creating a cinematic journey through science and Aboriginal culture, these Curtin people and projects prove Curtin’s commitment to exploration, innovation and engagement that has real-world impact
“I would like to congratulate all the finalists who have been recognised for their outstanding research and outreach programs and wish them all the best for the Awards ceremony being held later this year.”
The Premier’s Science Awards, which cover all fields of science including natural, medical, applied and technological science, engineering and mathematics, recognise and celebrate the outstanding scientific research and engagement taking place in Western Australia.
The winners of the 2022 Premier’s Science Awards will be announced on Monday, August 15.
Further information about the awards and finalists can be found online here.
