Premier of South Australia

Five leading South Australian scientists and science programs have been rewarded for their contribution to the State, country and world’s future through science.

Winners of this year’s Premier’s Science Excellence Awards – awarded at a gala dinner last night – have been recognised as leaders in their fields which include marine biology, biodiversity, chemistry, biosciences and disease research.

The five winners each received $15,000 to progress with their research and initiatives, while the 10 finalists, who are also helping to raise public awareness of science, shared $50,000 in prizemoney.

“Science is as much about people as research and discoveries, so it’s important the wider community understands how these people are making a difference through science,” Premier Mike Rann said.

“These winners and finalists are outstanding ambassadors for science and I congratulate them for their on-going commitment to excellence in their scientific endeavour.

“The State Government is committed to increasing community awareness and involvement in science and these annual awards are an important way of recognising excellence in research, education, management and communication.”

Minister for Science and Information Economy Karlene Maywald said the awards encompassed many aspects of science, including maths, technology, innovation, engineering and design

“South Australia’s Strategic Plan recognises that science has an important role to play in shaping a better future for the State and these awards help promote the value of science to the wider community,” she said.

“Priority has been given to projects consistent with the targets outlined in the State Government’s Ten Year Vision for Science, Technology and Innovation.”

The 2006 winners and finalists of the Premier’s Science Excellence Awards are listed below. For information on the awards, contact SA Great communications and marketing manager Mikyla Gilbert, 08 8211 8111 or 0402 107 727. SA Great is contracted by the State Government to manage the awards program

2006 Premier’s Science Excellence Awards

Research and Leadership

Winner - Laureate Professor John Ralston

Director, Ian Wark Research Institute. For his specialist work and knowledge in colloid and surface chemistry. Prof Ralston was a finalist in 2005.

Finalists

Professor Peter Langridge, chief executive, Australian Centre for Plant and Functional Genomics, University of Adelaide

Prof. Rob Norman, Director, Research Centre for Reproductive Health, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide.

Excellence in Research for Commercial Outcomes

Winner – Professor John J Hopwood

Head, Lysosomal Diseases Research Unit. For his work in researching and developing a screening method for Lysosomal Storage Disorders in newborn babies.

Finalists

Professor Ravi Naidu, Managing Director, Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation, University of South Australia. 

BAE Systems ALR2002 Development Team, BAE Systems Australia, Electronic Warfare Business Unit, Force Awareness Protection.

Excellence in Research for Public Good Outcomes

Winner - Associate Professor David Cleland Paton

School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Adelaide. For his team’s work in documenting changes in the distributions, abundances and performances of native flora and fauna.

Finalists

Flinders Ophthalmology Research Group, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Flinders University.

Professor Graeme Young, Director of Development, Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University.

Science Education and Communication Excellence

Winner – Marine and Environmental Education

Kangaroo Island Community Education, Department of Education and Children’s Services. For providing a range of innovative marine and environmental education programs for school students which include community linkages.

Finalists

Professor Christopher Daniels, Director, BioCity: Centre for Urban Habitats School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Adelaide.

Dr Deane Hutton, Infotainment International Pty. Ltd.

Science, Technology and Innovation Management Excellence

Winner – Dr Leanna Read

TGR BioSciences Pty Ltd founder and managing director. For her leadership in biotechnology, which involves developing high value health products from food by-products.

Finalists

Dr Robert Lewis, South Australian Research and Development Institute