Past winners
Page index
 2010
award winners
2009
award winners
2008
award winners
2007
award winners
2006
award winners
2005
award winners
2004
award winners
2003
award winners
2002
award winners
2010 awards winners
Western Australian Scientist of the Year ($50,000
prize)
Winthrop Professor Michael Tobar
Professor Tobar is a world leading scientist carrying
out cutting-edge research in the invention, creation and applications
of precise time, frequency and phase measurement techniques. Professor
Tobar’s work has resulted in the most pure oscillators and
precise measurement systems so far manufactured, with use in radar,
telecommunications, fundamental physics and defence applications.
His recent work has involved some of the most stringent testing
of fundamental physics, including the testing of Einstein’s
theories of relativity and fundamental constants. His research aims
to examine and unite Einstein’s theory of relativity and quantum
mechanics, and to provide new tools for industry to use.
Western Australian Early Career Scientist of the
Year ($10,000 prize)
Winthrop Professor Eric May
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. His
progress is evidenced by having secured more than $5.5 million in
funding for new research, constructed the infrastructure to conduct
industry-driven projects and commenced the training of seven PhD
students. In 2009 he was awarded the Australian National Metrology
Institute Prize.
Western Australian Science Educator of the Year
- Secondary ($10,000 prize)
Lynette Hillier
Lynette is a passionate science teacher who develops
and implements new curriculum material, catering for students of
all levels. Lynette’s innovative science programs have elevated
Human Biology from the weakest performing subject to the top performing
subject at the school. She has also played a critical role in the
development and implementation of exciting science programs in the
school. She has worked with the Dolphin Discovery Centre and a number
of local industry partners to develop and enhance the Marine Managers
program which sees students monitoring dolphin populations.
Western Australian Science Educator of the Year
- Primary ($10,000 prize)
Brooke Topelberg
Brooke has facilitated positive and measurable changes in student
attitudes, results and teacher involvement in science education.
She has implemented a Primary Science Outreach Program and developed
a collaborative Investigation in Science DVD. More than 200 copies
of the DVD have been distributed to schools throughout the State.
Brooke has also initiated an Upper School Science Challenge within
the school, which involves an inspiring day of science activities.
Due to the success of the initiative, she now coordinates the Upper
School Science District Challenge between five schools within the
Swan District.
Western Australian Science Outreach Initiative
of the Year ($10,000 prize)
Marine Discovery West and the Naturaliste Marine Discovery Centre
The Department of Fisheries through its MarineDiscoveryWest education
programs, incorporates State-wide, integrated delivery of aquatic
environmental education activities and programs, with a central
education hub at the Naturaliste Marine Discovery Centre in Perth.
The programs engage the community to participate in and contribute
to a sustainable future for Western Australia’s fisheries and
aquatic ecosystems by delivering innovative and hands-on education
activities, resources and programs for students, teachers and the
wider community. The programs delivered Statewide and at the Discovery
Centre reflect the science that underpins the sustainable management
of the aquatic environment.
Western Australian Hall of Fame Inductee ($10,000
prize)
Professor Fiona Stanley AC
Born on August 1 1946, Professor Fiona Stanley is an Epidemiologist
noted for her work on Cerebral Palsy and children’s health.
She has lived in Perth since 1956, graduating from UWA in Medicine
in 1970. Her work in relation to Aboriginal health encouraged a
renewed focus on epidemiology and public health. She has espoused
the importance of using population data to provide significant health,
social and economic benefits to the community. She is the founding
director of the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research (TICHR).
Fiona is the CEO of the Australian Research Alliance for Children
and Youth, and is Professor of Paediatrics at UWA. Winthrop Professor
Stanley’s research includes: strategies to improve health and
well-being in populations; causes and prevention of birth defects
and major neurological disorders including cerebral palsies; the
causes of and lifelong consequences of low birth weight; and patterns
of maternal and child health in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations.
The new state-of-the-art hospital being constructed at Murdoch is
to be named the Fiona Stanley Hospital in honour of her achievements.
Professor Stanley is a member of the Prime Minister’s Science,
Engineering and Innovation Council. She was named Australian of
the Year in 2003.
2009 award winners
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Scientist of the Year
Winthrop Professor Cheryl
E Praeger AM FAA (Nedlands) - Professor of Mathematics and
Australian Research Council Federation Fellow, University
of Western Australia
Professor Praeger, WA’s most highly-cited pure mathematician,
leads a major research team in Group Theory and Combinatorics
at The University of Western Australia. She is also a leading
international researcher, renowned for her works in group
theory, algebraic graph theory and combinatorics. Professor
Praeger’s work has resulted in findings that have led
to new thought being adopted by mathematicians worldwide.
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Young Scientist of the Year
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.
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Science Educator of the Year - Primary
Mark Pager
(Cable Beach) - Science Specialist Teacher, Cable Beach Primary
School
As Primary Science Specialist and Kimberley District Science
Programme Coordinator, 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 resource and assessment tools and is committed
to using science and literacy to create a successful learning
journey.
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Science Educator of the Year - Secondary
Richard
Meagher (Mt Hawthorn) - Senior Chemistry and Physics Teacher,
Mt Lawley Senior High School
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.
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Science Outreach Program of the
Year
ECOCEAN Inc.
(Cottesloe)
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
its internet site.
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2008 award winners
Premier's Prize for Western Australian Scientist of the Year
Professor Jorg Imberger, Director, Centre for Water Research
Professor Imberger is a world leader in the field of water research
and management. He established the internationally recognised Centre
for Water Research at the University of Western Australia. Technologies
created at the centre benefit more than 100 million people world-wide.
Premier’s Prize for Young Scientist of the Year
Dr Ben Corry, ARC Research Fellow, School of Biomedical, Biomolecular
and Chemical Science, University of Western Australia
Dr Corry has developed a strong independent research career in the
field of molecular biophysics and significantly advanced the understanding
of biological ion channels - the proteins that regulate electrical
signalling between cells. He recently applied his understanding
of biological pores to propose cheaper ways for generating clean
drinking water.
Premier’s Prize for Excellence in Science Communication
outside the Classroom
SymbioticA, School of Anatomy and Human Biology, University
of Western Australia
SymbioticA is an internationally recognised art and science collaborative
research laboratory dedicated to the artistic research, learning
and critique of life sciences. The first of its kind in the world,
the laboratory enables artists to engage in wet biology practices
and collaborate with scientists in a biological science department.
Premier’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching: Secondary
Lorraine Ellis, Head of Science Learning Area, Newton Moore
Senior High School
Lorraine Ellis is an energetic and enthusiastic science educator
who has lifted the profile of science at Newton Moore by establishing
the Science Specialist Program - Science Horizons, as well as the
Wetlands Project, a hands-on course that enables students to save
wetlands in their area. Her students have won numerous awards as
a result of her teaching skills and the courses she has developed.
Premier’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching: Primary
Richard Johnson, Science Support Teacher, Rostrata Primary School
Richard Johnson’s role as a science support teacher has improved
the science knowledge and skills of the students at Rostrata Primary.
He develops innovative, motivating and challenging lessons for his
students, and is responsible for running professional learning courses
for staff from five neighbouring schools.
Premier’s Prize for Science Student of the Year: University
Jacinta Delhaize, Student, Astronomy and Astrophysics, University
of Western Australia
Jacinta is completing her Honours in Astronomy and Astrophysics,
tutors physics and assists with programs to promote astrophysics
to high school students. She is also involved in many radio astronomy
related programs outside of university, including the promotion
of astronomy to high school students and preparations for the Square
Kilometre Array project.
Premier’s Prize for Science Student of the Year: Secondary
André Rhine-Davis, Year 12 student, Carmel School
André is a gifted science student with a passion to teach
others about science through tutoring and organising science events.
He has an exceptional academic record in science-based subjects,
with a distinction or high distinction average and has competed
in many science and mathematic competitions.
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2007 award winners
Western Australian Scientist of the Year
Professor David Blair, Professor of Physics at The University
of Western Australia
David Blair has worked for many years on the worldwide quest to
detect gravitational waves. Alongside many students and colleagues
at UWA, he has developed a very sensitive detector and the first
sapphire clocks. Professor Blair is currently developing the gravitational
wave observatory facility near Gingin and the exciting public facility,
The Gravity Discovery Centre.
Western Australian Young Scientist of the Year
Dr Kristen Nowak, Research Fellow for the Western Australian
Institute for Medical Research
Dr Nowak researches rare muscle disorders, which can sometimes lead
to complete paralysis at birth. She has made world-first discoveries
into the genetics of these diseases, helping to make Perth a global
leader in diagnosing these muscle disorders. Dr Nowak is dedicated
to finding a therapy for patients with actin-caused muscle diseases.
Premier’s Prize for Excellence in Science Communication Outside
the Classroom
Mr Roger Harris, Centre Manager at Herdsman Lake Wildlife
Centre
Roger Harris has seen a 300 per cent increase in school student
participation in the WA Gould League’s education program in
the last five years. Last year more than 13,000 students participated
in the environmental science and indigenous learning experiences
and Mr Harris received an Education Award of Excellence in recognition
of his outstanding contribution. Mr Harris’ three keys to success
in environmental education are partnership, collaboration and passion.
Premier’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching: Tertiary
Professor Paul McMenamin, Associate Dean (Teaching and
Learning), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences and
School of Anatomy and Human Biology at The University of Western
Australia
Professor McMenamin uses innovative methods, such as body painting
and model building, to teach clinically important aspects of human
anatomy. His role in the medical faculty is to inspire colleagues
to strive towards excellence in their teaching and learning with
the aim of producing better health professionals for WA.
Premier’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching: Secondary
Mr Warwick Mathews, Teacher at Shenton College
Mr Mathews is a passionate educator with a remarkable capacity to
create a sense of excitement and discovery. His work has been critical
to the success of the science program at Shenton College, initiating
programs including the student research vineyard, wine science,
and the participation in UWA’s scientists in school program
and the international biotechnology competition, the sanofi-aventis
International BioGENEius Challenge of Western Australia.
Premier’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching: Primary
Mr Allan Whittome, Teacher at Badgingarra Primary School
Mr Whittome is a highly valued colleague among his peers, who holds
a depth and intensity of passion for all things scientific. His
science lessons are engaging, hands-on, energetic and constantly
evolving for students and staff alike. He teaches science through
interactive activities and integrating several learning areas.
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2006 award winners
Premier’s Prize for Achievement in Science
Professor Graeme Hankey
Professor Hankey is a consultant neurologist and head of the Stroke
Unit at Royal Perth Hospital and clinical professor at the School
of Medicine and Pharmacology at The University of Western Australia.
Professor Hankey is one of the world’s leading doctors in stroke
research. Since 1999, Professor Hankey has led one of the world’s
most comprehensive clinical trials. Taking in a network of clinicians
and research patients in 100 medical centres in 20 countries, the
VITAmins TO Prevent Stroke (VITATOPS) trial is the only study comparing
the effect of B-vitamin supplements with a placebo in preventing
a recurrence of stroke. The professor is also involved with the
Perth Community Stroke Study which tracked a group of stroke survivors
for more than a decade. It is one of only two such studies in the
world.
Premier’s Prize for Early Career Achievement in Science
Professor Mark Cassidy
By the age of 33, Professor Mark Cassidy has become a full professor
at The University of Western Australia and director of the world-class
Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems. Also a Rhodes Scholar, Professor
Cassidy has built an international reputation in the field of offshore
geotechnical engineering. His leading role in the Western Australian
Energy Research Alliance pilot project and $1.4million in research
grants show his firm commitment to the development of WA science.
Premier’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching: Tertiary
Christine Howitt
Christine Howitt is a lecturer in Primary Science Teacher Education
at Curtin University of Technology. Her boundless passion for teaching
science is evident in her innovative and refreshing curriculum.
As a dedicated educator, she instils enthusiasm in her students
and provides future generations with a better understanding of scientific
processes and a positive attitude towards science.
Premier’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching: Secondary
Alison Siciliano
At Christmas Island’s District High School, Alison Siciliano
ensures science is taught throughout the school in a meaningful
way. With a large student population of Chinese and Malay immigrants,
she has been instrumental in creating a strategic plan for science
teaching from Kindergarten to Year 10, catering for English as a
Second Language learners.
Premier’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching: Primary
Monique Hill (joint winner)
Monique Hill’s dedication to science and the environment manifests
itself in everything she does at Rossmoyne Primary School. She actively
encourages students to experience real life science situations.
She is involved in Primary Connections, a federally funded Science
Literacy Program. Her efforts have elevated the status of science
at the school.
Penny Kelliher(joint winner)
Penny Kelliher believes that no child should be excluded from learning
and has applied this to her role as a science specialist and deputy
principal at Leeming Primary School. She has developed a cross-curricular
program for students with learning and behaviour management difficulties
such as ADHD. As a result of this hands-on program these students
have engaged science learning and returned to their classrooms.
Premier’s Prize for Excellence in Science Communication
Fremantle Light and Sound Discovery Centre - Richard Rennie
Since 2003, Fremantle Light and Sound Discovery Centre has been
communicating science from the WA Museum’s Fremantle History
facility. The centre demonstrates science concepts through a collection
of rare and historic light and sound technologies and gadgets. The
centre offers 25 educational programs for all learning levels, professional
development for teachers and support for special events. Founder
Richard Rennie has 37 years’ experience as a science teacher,
and uses his skills to inspire young people and young teachers alike
and performs his role as a volunteer.
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2005 award winners
Premier’s Prize for Achievement in Science
Professor Simon Mallal
Profesor Mallal is the Executive Director of the Centre for Clinical
Immunology and Biomedical Statistics at Royal Perth Hospital. Professor
Mallal is an HIV physician and immunologist who, with his team,
has been internationally credited for making several key advances
in HIV research, including the discovery that the HIV virus can
mutate to avoid recognition by the immune system. This crucial discovery
has received worldwide acclaim in the search for more effective
vaccines against the deadly disease.
Premier’s Prize for Early Career Achievement in Science
Dr Graham Hall
Dr Hall is a Senior Respiratory Scientist at Princess Margaret Hospital.
His research work focuses on the development and validation of non-invasive
research methods, allowing critical information to be obtained on
the causes or progressions of disease as they relate to children’s
respiratory medicine.
Premier’s Prizes for Excellence in Science Teaching: Tertiary
Professor Robert Stick, Chemistry Professor at The University
of Western Australia
Premier’s Prizes for Excellence in Science Teaching: Secondary
Ms Julie Weber of Merriden High School (joint winner)
Mr Hao Ta of Willetton High School (joint winner)
Premier’s Prizes for Excellence in Science Teaching: Primary
Mrs Natalie Birrell, pre-primary science specialist at Huntingdale
Primary School
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2004 award winners
Premier's Prize for Achievement in Science
Professor Bruce Robinson, Professor of Medicine at the University
of Western Australia, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre
Premier's Prize for Early Career Achievement in Science
Dr Robert Hough, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at CSIRO Exploration
and Mining
Premier's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching: Tertiary
Associate Professor Adrianne Kinnear, Associate Professor of
Natural Sciences, Edith Cowan University
Premier's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching: Secondary
Mr Darren Hamley, Science Teacher at Willetton Senior High School
(joint winner)
Mr Denis Smith, Head of Science Department at Esperance Senior High
School (joint winner)
Premier's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching: Primary
Ms Susan Doncon, Acting Deputy Principal at Woodlupine Primary
School
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2003 award winners
Premier’s Prize for Achievement in Science
Emeritus Professor Ian Ritchie
Professor Ritchie is recognised as the leading international expert
in hydrometallurgy. He has received two international awards for
his work and the 2003 International Conference in Hydrometallurgy
was named after him and held in his honour. Professor Ritchie has
made many novel discoveries in chemistry - spanning an unusually
wide range of research areas. He also initiated and developed the
A J Parker Co-operative Research Centre for Hydrometallurgy, which
produces millions of dollars worth of research savings for the State’s
mining industry.
Premier's Prize for Early Career Achievement
Dr Harvey Millar
Plant biochemist Dr Harvey Millar, from the University of Western
Australia, won the Premier's Prize for Early Career Achievement.
Excellence in Science teaching: Tertiary
Dr Mauro Mocerino
Curtin University chemistry lecturer Dr Mauro Mocerino won the award
for his commitment to fostering in students the ability and the
desire to learn chemistry. Dr Mocerino has developed online pre-laboratory
exercises for students studying chemistry for the first time.
Excellence in Science Teaching: Secondary
Ray Priskich
Trinity College’s Science Department Head Ray Priskich, has
developed an Astronomy and Space Sciences Program that operates
as an extensive online web document.
Excellence in Science Teaching: Primary
Mark Merritt
Marmion Primary School science teacher Mark Merritt, won for his
commitment to providing professional development and training to
teachers and educators in the area of science.
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2002 award winners
Premier’s Prize for Achievement in Science
Professor Barry Marshall
Professor Barry Marshall won the $10,000 major prize for his work
related to ulcer causing bacterium. Professor Marshall had persevered
to uncover the cause of a significant health problem that was suffered
by half the world’s population. The research to identify the
causes and to develop diagnostic testing and therapies to eradicate
this bacterium was conducted in Perth. Professor Marshall was the
co-discoverer of the ulcer causing bacterium Helicobacter pylori
with Dr Robin Warren. Professor Marshall developed a blood test,
a biopsy test and a breath test to easily diagnose the bacterium.
All these methods are now widely used and Professor Marshall holds
several patents related to diagnosis and treatment.
Premier’s Prize for Early Career Achievement
Dr Kliti Grice and Professor Andre Luiten (joint
winners)
Dr Kliti Grice from Curtin University and Professor Andre Luiten
from the University of Western Australia were both awarded the Premier’s
Prize for Early Career Achievement, receiving $5,000 each. Dr Grice’s
work in geochemistry has application for petroleum exploration while
Professor Luiten’s work as a physicist has attracted the attention
of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Dr Grice has more than 10 years experience in carbon compound specific
isotope research and is the only stable isotope geochemist with
experience in both carbon and hydrogen compound specific analysis
in WA and one of a few in Australia. Her research can be applied
to a number of WA industries including petroleum exploration, water
geochemistry and environmental geochemistry.
Professor Luiten had spent his career testing the validity of fundamental
laws governing our understanding of the world by developing instruments
to test scientific theory. His validation experiments of Einstein's
theory of special relativity have a 50 times higher confidence of
special relativity than previous attempts. Professor Luiten was
invited to conduct research for NASA and along with his UWA team,
awarded a $13million Federal Government grant.
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