Curtin planetary scientist named WA Young Tall Poppy Scientist of the Year

Curtin University planetary scientist and NASA Mars InSight Mission researcher Dr Katarina Miljkovic has been crowned the Western Australian Young Tall Poppy Scientist of the Year at the 2019 WA Young Tall Poppy Science Awards, where three other Curtin researchers were also recognised.

In addition to Dr Miljkovic’s overall win, evolutionary developmental biologist Dr Catherine Boisvert, electrochemistry researcher Associate Professor Debbie Silvester and health economist Associate Professor Richard Norman, were among nine of the State’s outstanding researchers recognised with WA Young Tall Poppy Science Awards for their exceptional research and passionate commitment to communicating science.

Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry congratulated the Curtin researchers on being honoured by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science as young scientists of the highest calibre.

“We are absolutely thrilled to congratulate Dr Miljkovic on being crowned the WA Young Tall Poppy Scientist of the Year in recognition of the inspiring contribution she has already made to the planetary sciences particularly to our understanding of Mars,” Professor Terry said.

“It is incredibly exciting to have four of Curtin’s brightest young researchers recognised as leaders in their fields who are poised for many more great achievements in the future.

“These awards are extremely well-deserved given the tremendous passion, dedication and hard work each of these researchers has displayed in their respective fields, and I congratulate each of them on this significant recognition.

“For such a diverse range of researchers to be honoured in this way, indicates the tremendous depth of talent and scope of expertise that continues to enhance the University’s reputation as a world-leader in many fields of research.”

The Young Tall Poppy Science Awards are run by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science to honour rising young scientists across science, engineering and mathematics, who combine world-class research with a commitment to communicating science.

The award winners participate in education and community outreach programs, becoming role models to inspire school students and the broader community about the possibilities of science. This involves a range of science promotion activities, including visits to schools, educational seminars, workshops and public talks.

For further information on the Young Tall Poppy Science Awards, please visit: https://aips.net.au/tall-poppy-campaign/