ENTRIES OPEN FOR EUREKA SCIENCE PRIZES
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Friday 4 February 2011
ENTRIES OPEN FOR EUREKA SCIENCE PRIZES
NSW scientists and researchers are being encouraged to enter the “Oscars” of Australian science, with entries for the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes opening today.
NSW Minister for Science and Medical Research Jodi McKay said the Eureka Prizes are some of Australia’s most prestigious science prizes, and offer an important opportunity to support and showcase the State’s science and medical research sector.
“The Eureka Prizes highlight the diversity of world-class science and medical research, teaching and journalism in NSW and across the country,” Ms McKay said.“The NSW Government is proud to be sponsoring two awards at the Eureka Prizes over the next three years, investing $210,000 in sponsorship and prize money.
“Industry and Investment NSW will sponsor the Eureka Prize for Science or Mathematics Teaching, which will be awarded to a secondary school science teacher who has inspired students and the school community to get involved in science or maths.
“The award has been expanded this year to include maths teaching in addition to science teaching, as the NSW Government recognises the crucial role that both maths and science teachers play in encouraging young people to take up a career in the sciences.
“Industry and Investment NSW will also continue to sponsor the Jamie Callachor Eureka Prize for Medical Research Translation, which recognises outstanding medical research that improves clinical practice.
“It’s important we recognise excellence in medical research and the impact it has on continuing to improve our health care system. Medical research enables treatments and cures for illness and disease that affect us all such as cancer, heart disease, asthma, mental illness and stroke.
"The commercialisation and translation of research outcomes into new products, medicines and devices is also fundamental to the country’s biomedical sector. In 2009-10, $2.5 billion of medical devices, pharmaceuticals and medicinal products were exported from NSW alone, making a significant contribution to the State’s economy.
“Every year NSW researchers perform remarkably well at the Eureka Prizes and 2010 was no exception.
“NSW had more than 20 finalists in the 20 categories, reaffirming our reputation as Australia’s clever State,” Ms McKay said.
The annual celebration of Australian science brings together a variety of sectors including scientists, medical professionals, industry leaders, philanthropists, state and federal politicians, journalists, young researchers and school students.
The winners of the two I&I NSW sponsored Eureka Prizes will each receive $10,000 prize money. Entries for the 2011 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes open on Friday 4 February 2011 and close
Friday 6 May 2011. For more information on the Eureka Prizes go to www.eureka.australianmuseum.net.au
Media Contact: Andrew Parkinson 0447 202 091