Seven Curtin finalists named in 2024 Premier’s Science Awards

Seven Curtin University researchers and students have been recognised for their achievements, named as finalists in the 2024 Premier’s Science Awards.

The prestigious annual event recognises Western Australia’s finest achievements in science and aims to raise the profile of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in the State.

John Curtin Distinguished Professor Sharon Parker has been nominated in the Awards’ esteemed Scientist of the Year category, for her work 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 Morten Allentoft from the School of Molecular and Life Sciences’ research into our ancient ancestors and the world in which they lived has been published in highly regarded journals — including five papers in Nature this year alone — and has seen him named a finalist for Mid-Career Scientist of the Year.

The Curtin School of Population Health has two finalists for Early Career Scientist of the Year with Dr Eleanor Dunlop and Dr David Preece named for their work in multiple sclerosis and psychology research respectively.

Associate Professor Zoe Richards and Dr Alexandra Yeung’s work teaching in the School of Molecular and Life Sciences and sharing their passion for coral reefs and chemistry with students sees them both named as finalists for STEM Educator of the Year – Tertiary.

Coastal and Marine Science and Environmental Management student Brodie O’Breza is a finalist in the Aboriginal STEM Student of the Year and is currently in Fiji furthering her studies as a 2024 New Colombo Plan Scholar.

For the first time, this year’s ceremony will see a People’s Choice Award presented to the finalist receiving the most votes from the general public, via the Awards’ online voting forum.

Curtin University Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Professor Melinda Fitzgerald congratulated Curtin’s finalists on being recognised among the State’s best and brightest.

“The Premier’s Science Awards celebrate the best of the groundbreaking scientific work taking place across Western Australia, so being named as finalists is wonderful recognition of the dedication, passion and ingenuity of these researchers, educators and students,” Professor Fitzgerald said.

“Having seven finalists in this year’s awards demonstrates Curtin is at the forefront of science, technology, research and engagement in WA.

“The State will benefit not only from these finalists’ work, but also from our students as they become the next generation of STEM pioneers.” The Premiers Science Awards winners for 2024 will be announced on August 19.