Science innovators recognised at state’s 10th annual awards

WESTERN Australia’s top scientists, educators, and outreach initiatives have been by awarded by Science and Innovation Minister John Day for their contributions to science at the 10th annual WA Science Awards ceremony last week. 

Richard Hobbs, an Australian Laureate Fellow of the Australian Research Council and a professor of restoration ecology at UWA, was named the 2011 Western Australian scientist of the year. 

Professor Hobbs has helped revolutionise ecosystem management and restoration through leading one of the world’s largest ecological experiments.

“Professor Hobbs studied environment across three continents but has chosen to spend the majority of his career addressing urbanisation, invasive species and climate change in the state,” Mr Day said.

“The other award winners have made outstanding contributions to geotechnical engineering, farming, and primary and secondary science education.’’ 

The chair of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, Bernard Bowen, was inducted into the Western Australian Science Hall of Fame in recognition of a vast career contributing to many industries, most notably the fishing industry and astronomy.

Dr Bowen has spent 20 years heading the WA Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, is a Member of the Order of Australia, and has developed four research institutes, including the ICRAR.

David White, an Australian Research Council Future Fellow and professor at UWA’s Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems, was named ‘early career scientist of the year’. 

Professor White’s research into the behaviour of shallow seabed sentiments is used to test the stability of major pipelines in the oil and gas sector.

The Farm Business Resilience Program received the ‘science communication initiative of the year’ award. The program updates the practices of WA-based farming businesses to prepare them against drought and other external forces.

The ‘science/mathematics initiative of the year’ awards went to teachers Heath Dullard from Pinjarra Senior High School and Linda Townend from Maylands Peninsula Primary School.