Nominations have opened for the inaugural NSW Premier's Prizes for Science & Engineering to highlight cutting-edge research that has generated economic, environmental, health, social and technological benefits for NSW.
A total prize pool of $100,000 will be up for grabs in 2015 – including $55,000 for the NSW Scientist of the Year.
NSW Premier Mike Baird said the revamped Premier's Prizes reflect the government's strong enthusiasm and support for the state's scientific and engineering community.
"NSW boasts outstanding strengths across a range of scientific disciplines – including next generation communications, energy technology, robotics, biotechnology, and health and medical research," Mr Baird said.
"The Premier's Prizes for Science & Engineering are about celebrating our incredibly talented scientists and engineers, who, through their innovation, collaboration, resourcefulness and impact, have contributed to major advances in our well-being and economy."
As well as the NSW Premier's Prize for Scientist of the Year, trophies will be awarded in nine categories – the winners each receiving a $5000 cash prize:
- Excellence in Mathematics, Earth Sciences, Chemistry and Physics
- Excellence in Biological Sciences (Ecology, environmental, agricultural and organismal)
- Excellence in Medical Biological Sciences (Cell and molecular, medical, veterinary and genetics)
- Excellence in Engineering and Information and Communications Technology
- Energy Innovation in NSW
- NSW Early Career Researcher of the Year
- Leadership in Innovation in NSW
- Innovation in NSW Public Sector Science and Engineering
- Innovation in Science and Mathematics Education in NSW
Chief Scientist & Engineer Mary O'Kane said NSW has much to celebrate in R&D.
"We have a great culture of innovation in this State which is supported by our world-class universities and research institutes," Professor O'Kane said.
"NSW has produced many wonderful innovations over the years which are used right around the globe – from Wi-Fi technology, to Google Maps and the Jameson Cell, used for separating minerals in the mining industry.
"There are many brilliant scientists and engineers working in our universities and research organisations, and in the public and private sectors – as well some very inspiring maths and science teachers who are schooling our next generation of scientists and engineers – all of whom are worthy of recognition, so I would encourage everyone to get nominating!" she said.
Nominations for the NSW Premier's Prizes for Science & Engineering close on Friday 11 September 2015. The winners will be announced in October.
For more information, go to www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/premiersprizes