Call for nominations for science prize

Acting NSW Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Stoner has called for nominations for the 2012 NSW Science and Engineering Awards to recognise and reward the state’s leading scientists, engineers and researchers.

Stoner said this year’s awards include a $5000 prize in each of eight categories, as well as $55,000 to the overall NSW Scientist of the Year.

“NSW is home to a high number of world-leading scientists and researchers, whose work has made significant economic, health, environmental and technological contributions to Australia and the world,” he said.

“The NSW Science and Engineering Awards were initiated in 2008 to recognise and reward our state’s leading researchers for their cutting-edge work.”

Last year’s NSW Scientist of the Year, Prof Michelle Simmons, leads a team of researchers developing quantum computing, which has the potential to revolutionise complex computer processing.

Professor Simmons said the award had helped raise public awareness of her research and was an endorsement of not only her work but the efforts of her research team.

“It was very rewarding and humbling to be named NSW Scientist of the Year and join a very prestigious group of recipients. However, the real value of the NSW Science and Engineering Awards is that they raise the profile of science,” she said.

The 2012 Award categories are:

• Excellence in Mathematics, Earth Science, Chemistry and Physics
• Excellence in Biological Sciences (Human and Animal Health)
• Excellence in Biological Sciences (Plant, Agriculture and Environment)
• Excellence in Engineering and Information and Communications Technologies
• Emerging Research
• Renewable Energy Innovation
• Innovation in Public Sector Science and Engineering
• Innovation in Science and Mathematics Education

Nominations for the awards close 5 pm, 31 August 2012. Winners will be announced at NSW Government House in November.

For further details on the awards, including entry requirements, visit the website.