Commerce Minister Troy Buswell today announced the 2009 Western Australian Science Awards finalists.

The Western Australian Science Awards recognise the outstanding and groundbreaking achievements of WA’s scientists, researchers, science teachers and facilitators of science outreach programs.

Mr Buswell said science and innovation underpinned activities in many of the State’s industry sectors.  

“Developments in science and innovation enable the growth and diversification of WA’s economy,” he said.

“The community is not always aware of the outstanding science and innovation that takes place in this State.  The awards help to promote science research, development and facilitation by recognising and rewarding excellence in these areas.

“These talented Western Australians are all highly respected in their fields and, as finalists, have been selected for their hard work and dedication to building science capacity and capability within the State.”

The winners of the 2009 Western Australian Science Awards will be announced at a presentation luncheon held on Wednesday, December 2 from 12pm to 2.30pm at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre.  As keynote speaker at the event, the Minister will announce the outcomes of the Science and Innovation Review and detail his vision for science in WA.  To book, go to http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/scienceawards

The 2009 Western Australian Science Awards finalists are:

SCIENTIST OF THE YEAR $50,000

·             Professor Igor Bray (Winthrop) - Director, Institute of Theoretical Physics, Curtin University of Technology

Professor Bray, a leader in the field of quantum mechanics, is internationally known for co-developing the Convergent Close Coupling (CCC) theory.  The theory has led to advances in astrophysics, plasma displays, lasers, lighting and fusion energy.

·             Winthrop Professor Cheryl E Praeger AM FAA (Nedlands) - Professor of Mathematics and Australian Research Council Federation Fellow, The University of Western Australia Australia’s most highly cited pure mathematician, Professor Praeger, is a leading international researcher in algebra and combinatorics.  She built and leads a major research team in Group Theory and Combinatorics at The University of Western Australia.

·             Professor Peter Quinn (The Vines) - Director, International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research and Premier’s Research Fellow in Radio Astronomy

          Professor Quinn is a world leader in data intensive science, the design, development and operation of super-science facilities, the theory of galaxy formation and the search for Dark Matter. He is also involved in the world’s biggest radio astronomy project, the Square Kilometre Array.  

YOUNG SCIENTIST OF THE YEAR $10,000

·             Dr Swaminathan Iyer (Crawley) - ARC Australian Research Fellow and Deputy Director, Centre for Strategic Nano-Fabrication, The University of Western Australia

Dr Iyer has developed an independent research career in the field of nanobiotechnology.  His research has advanced the understanding of cellular interaction at the nanometer dimension, establishing new techniques for the discrimination of cancer cells and the development of new targeted therapies.

·             Research Associate Professor Kevin Pfleger (Nedlands) - Head, Laboratory for Molecular Endocrinology, WA Institute for Medical Research and chief scientific officer, Dimerix Bioscience

Professor Pfleger co-invented a novel technology to identify and study ’G protein coupled receptors’, a family of ’receptors’ found on the surface of cells that mediate communication with other cells.  The receptors are extremely important in treating disease and are the target of about 50 per cent of all therapeutic drugs.

·             Professor Eric May (Rossmoyne) - Chevron Chair in Gas Process Engineering, The University of Western Australia

Professor May’s research combines several aspects of engineering, physics and chemistry and can be described as fluid science for the next generation of natural gas engineering.  His development of new techniques to more accurately measure gas properties has advanced fundamental science and improved engineering models. 

SCIENCE EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR $10,000

·             Mark Pager (Cable Beach) - Science Specialist Teacher, Cable Beach Primary School

As primary science specialist and Kimberley District Science Programme co-ordinator, Mr Pager has implemented science programs throughout Cable Beach Primary School and the wider community to improve science learning in the area. He has developed a number of useful assessment tools and is committed to using science and literacy to create a successful learning journey.

·             David Stalker (Bindoon) - Science Teacher, Woodvale Senior High School

Mr Stalker is an innovative teacher who links student learning to vocational pathways in science.  He has developed Vocational Education and Training courses in mining and veterinary studies at Woodvale Senior High School, with many of his students following vocational pathways in those fields.

·             Richard Meagher (Mt Hawthorn) - Senior Chemistry and Physics Teacher, Mt Lawley Senior HighSchool

Mr Meagher displays exemplary classroom practice, engages extensively with external agencies and avidly promotes science as a career to his students.  His passion for ICT has enabled him to engage students by using a variety of digital technologies in his teaching to deliver positive results.

SCIENCE OUTREACH PROGRAM OF THE YEAR $10,000

·             ECOCEAN Inc. (Cottesloe) - www.whaleshark.org

ECOCEAN is a WA-based not-for-profit group and the driving force behind the global campaign to protect the world’s declining population of whale sharks.  The campaign is designed to monitor, research and encourage collaboration and discussion through their internet site. 

·             ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Energy Biology (Crawley) – The University of Western Australia

The ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology has developed four outreach programs specifically targeted to educate the State’s new generation of science researchers while increasing the public and industry profile of molecular and genomic plant science in Australia.

·             Perth Urban Bushland Fungi Project (Kensington)  - www.fungiperth.org.au

The Perth Urban Bushland Fungi Project documents the diversity, abundance and distribution of fungi while educating the community, government and scientists about the organism’s importance to the health of WA’s woodlands.  The project has led to the discovery of more than 200 new species in the State.

The Western Australian Science Awards are facilitated by the Department of Commerce.