Australia’s Chief Scientist, Professor Penny Sackett, has encouraged nominations for the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science, Australia’s most important science and science teaching awards.

• 16 February 2009

Australia’s Chief Scientist, Professor Penny Sackett, has encouraged nominations for the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science, Australia’s most important science and science teaching awards.

“The nomination round, which is now open, will close at 5 pm on Friday 8 May 2009.  It provides the science and science education communities with a unique opportunity to gain public acknowledgement of the outstanding efforts of their colleagues.  I strongly encourage Australia’s scientists and science educators to nominate their colleagues for these prestigious prizes,” Professor Sackett said.

“The best of our remarkable scientific researchers and teachers should be as well known and celebrated as the best of our athletes.”
Science and science education play integral roles in enriching our lives through continuing economic, environment and social wellbeing, and are the foundations for an innovative and prosperous Australia.

Each of these five awards comprises a gold or silver medallion, a lapel pin and a tax-exempt grant:

• Prime Minister’s Prize for Science ($300,000);
• Science Minister’s Prize for Life Scientist of the Year ($50,000);
• Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year ($50,000);
• Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools ($50,000); and
• Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools ($50,000).

Nominations can be made on-line at http://www.innovation.gov.au/scienceprizes.

Inquiries can be made to the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science & Research by telephone to (02) 6276 1264 or by email to pmprize@innovation.gov.au.

The Chief Scientist for Australia provides independent advice to Government on a wide range of scientific and technological issues through her engagement with the science, research and industry communities, learned societies and other governments.

For further information on the Chief Scientist, view http://www.chiefscientist.gov.au/

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Media Contact: Rebecca Richter, Office of the Chief Scientist
Mobile: 0410 029 407