tag:theconversation.com,2011:/us/topics/eureka-prizes-42440/articlesEureka Prizes – The Conversation2023-08-23T11:30:22Ztag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2121022023-08-23T11:30:22Z2023-08-23T11:30:22ZBirdwatching, immune responses and evolutionary mapping honoured at 2023 Eureka Prizes<p>Hundreds of scientists from across the country have gathered at the Australian Museum in Sydney for the presentation of the <a href="https://australian.museum/get-involved/eureka-prizes/">Eureka Prizes</a>. Awarded annually since 1990, the prizes recognise outstanding contributions to science and the public understanding of science. </p>
<p>Some highlights from this year’s ceremony were awards for one of the world’s biggest wildlife monitoring programs, a rescue project for endangered orchids, and research on how our bodies fight COVID-19. Also honoured were software for sustainable energy and mining, a method for turning waste carbon dioxide into useful molecular building blocks, and an open-source tool for linking DNA sequences to the evolution of life. </p>
<p>In a statement, Australian Museum chief executive Kim McKay said: </p>
<blockquote>
<p>As the world faces unprecedented challenges such as accelerating climate change, Australian scientists continue to lead, innovate and inspire. Scientific knowledge and innovation is key to progress. Researchers and scientists help us understand how our universe works and how we can protect it. </p>
</blockquote>
<h2>Waterbirds, orchids and immune responses</h2>
<p>The prize for applied environmental research went to the Waterbirds Aerial Survey Team from UNSW and the New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment. This team has carried out one of the world’s largest and longest-running wildlife surveys. Their work has had a significant influence on the Murray-Darling Basin Plan as well as the management of wetlands and national parks.</p>
<p>Noushka Reiter from the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria was awarded the prize for excellence in botanical science. Reiter leads an orchid conservation program that has propagated more than 20,000 plants from 80 endangered species. Fourteen of these species have been reintroduced to the wild, with populations increasing by as much as 260%.</p>
<p>A team of three researchers from the University of Melbourne and the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity took home the prize for infectious diseases research. The Corona Queens – Katherine Kedzierska, Louise Rowntree and Oanh Nguyen – were recognised for their work on the immune response to COVID-19 in high-risk groups, such as children, older people and cancer patients. </p>
<h2>Getting to net zero, transforming CO₂ and mapping evolution</h2>
<p>The prize for innovative research in sustainability went to the Economic Fairways Mapper Team from Monash University and Geoscience Australia. They have built a set of open-source tools to identify the most sustainable locations for renewable energy and mining projects, to aid the transition to net zero emissions.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/picture-this-green-hydrogen-plants-next-to-green-steelworks-to-boost-efficiency-and-kickstart-both-industries-205845">Picture this: green hydrogen plants next to green steelworks to boost efficiency and kickstart both industries</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Fengwang Li at the University of Sydney received the prize for outstanding early career researcher. He has developed a more efficient process to make ethylene – a basic chemical component of plastic – from waste carbon dioxide captured from industrial processes. </p>
<p>The prize for excellence in research software was awarded to Minh Bui and Robert Lanfear from the Australian National University. They created open-source software that analyses DNA data to map evolution. It has been used by life scientists around the world to everything from ancient life to the development of the SARS-COV-2 virus. </p>
<h2>Research, leadership and communication</h2>
<p>There were plenty of other prizes given out as well. A full list is below.</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Emerging leader in science: Stephanie Partridge from the University of Sydney </p></li>
<li><p>Leadership in science and innovation: Michael Kassiou, University of Sydney </p></li>
<li><p>Outstanding mentor of young researchers: Renae Ryan, University of Sydney </p></li>
<li><p>Excellence in interdisciplinary scientific research: Cystic Fibrosis Lung Health Imaging, University of Adelaide; Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide; 4D Medical Pty Ltd; and Monash University </p></li>
<li><p>Innovative use of technology: IMAGENDO, University of Adelaide; and OMNI Ultrasound and Gynaecological Care </p></li>
<li><p>Outstanding science in safeguarding Australia: MetaSteerers Team, University of Technology Sydney; Defence Science and Technology Group; and Macquarie University </p></li>
<li><p>Scientific research: Tim Thomas and Anne Voss, WEHI</p></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><p>Innovation in citizen science: 1 Million Turtles, Western Sydney University; La Trobe University and University of New England </p></li>
<li><p>Promoting understanding of science: Toby Walsh, UNSW </p></li>
</ul>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/everyones-having-a-field-day-with-chatgpt-but-nobody-knows-how-it-actually-works-196378">Everyone's having a field day with ChatGPT – but nobody knows how it actually works</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<ul>
<li><p>Science journalism: Jo Chandler, Griffith Review</p></li>
<li><p>STEM inclusion: That’s What I Call Science</p></li>
<li><p>School science – primary: Anna P, PLC Sydney</p></li>
<li><p>School science – secondary: Darcy B, Ashfield Boys High School</p></li>
<li><p>The Australian Museum Research Institute Medal: Jodi Rowely.</p></li>
</ul><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/212102/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
The annual prizes for Australian science recognised efforts to confront the key challenges facing our world.Michael Lucy, Science EditorLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1895402022-08-31T11:31:05Z2022-08-31T11:31:05ZMapping food supply chains, nanotech cancer diagnosis, and tracking bushfire recovery winners at 2022 Eureka Prizes<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/481993/original/file-20220831-17-lfuyxv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=11%2C17%2C1985%2C1311&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Australian Museum</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>A microscope slide that can diagnose cancer, mapping how what we eat affects the environment, and a volunteer effort tracking bushfire damage. These were just a few of the scientific projects recognised at the 2022 <a href="https://australian.museum/get-involved/eureka-prizes/">Australian Museum Eureka Prizes</a>, announced in Sydney. </p>
<p>The prizes have been awarded each year since 1990 to recognise contributions to science and the public understanding of science.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/481985/original/file-20220831-27-1g2e3x.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/481985/original/file-20220831-27-1g2e3x.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/481985/original/file-20220831-27-1g2e3x.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/481985/original/file-20220831-27-1g2e3x.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/481985/original/file-20220831-27-1g2e3x.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/481985/original/file-20220831-27-1g2e3x.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/481985/original/file-20220831-27-1g2e3x.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The NanoMslide will make it easier to diagnose cancer.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Daniel Calleja</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The <strong>ANSTO Eureka Prize for Innovative Use of Technology</strong> went to the NanoMslide team, comprising researchers from La Trobe University, the University of Melbourne, the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Their invention uses a special nanotechnology coating for microscope slides for quicker, cheaper cancer diagnosis.</p>
<p>Eric Chow, Christopher Fairley, Catriona Bradshaw, Jane Hocking, Deborah Williamson and Marcus Chen, from Monash University and the University of Melbourne, won the <strong>Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre Eureka Prize for Infectious Diseases Research</strong>. Their work on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) uncovered the role of saliva in transmitting STIs and pioneered tailored antibiotic treatments.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/481986/original/file-20220831-18-lrmtid.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/481986/original/file-20220831-18-lrmtid.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/481986/original/file-20220831-18-lrmtid.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/481986/original/file-20220831-18-lrmtid.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/481986/original/file-20220831-18-lrmtid.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/481986/original/file-20220831-18-lrmtid.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/481986/original/file-20220831-18-lrmtid.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Manfred Lenzen and team traced billions of food supply chains.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Supplied</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The <strong>Eureka Prize for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Scientific Research</strong> was awarded to Manfred Lenzen, David Raubenheimer, Arunima Malik, Mengyu Li and Navoda Liyana Pathirana from the University of Sydney, for their work on how what we eat affects the environment. They traced billions of supply chains that deliver food to consumers.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-worlds-affluent-must-start-eating-local-food-to-tackle-the-climate-crisis-new-research-shows-185410">The world's affluent must start eating local food to tackle the climate crisis, new research shows</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>The Environment Recovery Project, run by UNSW and the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research, won the <strong>Department of Industry, Science and Resources Eureka Prize for Innovation in Citizen Science</strong>. The project gathered 1,600 volunteers to survey the damage caused by the devastating bushfires of 2019–20 and gather data on how the environment is recovering.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/481983/original/file-20220831-20-gojb45.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/481983/original/file-20220831-20-gojb45.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/481983/original/file-20220831-20-gojb45.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/481983/original/file-20220831-20-gojb45.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/481983/original/file-20220831-20-gojb45.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/481983/original/file-20220831-20-gojb45.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/481983/original/file-20220831-20-gojb45.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Raina MacIntyre.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Supplied</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>UNSW Professor Raina MacIntyre was awarded the <strong>Department of Defence Eureka Prize for Leadership in Science and Innovation</strong> for her “significant leadership role in the international response to the COVID-19 pandemic”. She has written a range of articles for The Conversation, including an <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-contagious-is-the-wuhan-coronavirus-and-can-you-spread-it-before-symptoms-start-130686">early explainer</a> on the novel coronavirus.</p>
<p>The <strong>UNSW Eureka Prize for Scientific Research</strong> went to Justin Yerbury of the University of Wollongong. Since his diagnosis with motor neuron disease in 2016, he has made key discoveries about the molecular causes of the disease.</p>
<p>The Australian Museum Research Institute also awarded two medals. One went to Stephen Keable, a former manager of the Marine Invertebrates Collections at the Australian Museum, for his work on marine invertebrates. The second was awarded to Graham Durant, the recently retired director of Questacon, for his service to Australian science and science education.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/museum-or-not-the-changing-face-of-curated-science-tech-art-and-culture-95507">Museum or not? The changing face of curated science, tech, art and culture</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Other winners included: </p>
<p><strong>NSW Environment and Heritage Eureka Prize for Applied Environmental Research</strong> – Sustainable Farms, Australian National University</p>
<p><strong>Macquarie University Eureka Prize for Outstanding Early Career Researcher</strong> – Tess Reynolds, University of Sydney</p>
<p><strong>Celestino Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science</strong> – Veena Sahajwalla, UNSW</p>
<p><strong>Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Science Journalism</strong> – Jackson Ryan, CNET</p>
<p><strong>Department of Industry, Science and Resources Eureka Prize for STEM Inclusion</strong> – Kirsten Ellis, Monash University</p>
<p><strong>University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize — Primary</strong> – Genevieve S., Bucasia State School, Qld</p>
<p><strong>University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize — Secondary</strong> – Iestyn R., St John’s Anglican College, Forest Lake, Qld</p>
<p><strong>Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science</strong> – Sumeet Walia, RMIT University</p>
<p><strong>University of Technology Sydney Eureka Prize for Outstanding Mentor of Young Researchers</strong> – Paul Wood, Monash University</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/189540/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
A microscope slide that can diagnose cancer, mapping how what we eat affects the environment, and an effort to track bushfire damage are among the winners at Australia’s leading scientific awards.Michael Lucy, Science EditorLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1130542019-03-07T19:06:18Z2019-03-07T19:06:18ZWomen in STEM need your support – and Australia needs women in STEM<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/262556/original/file-20190306-100781-1vfmr6n.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Only two women are in this photo from the 2018 Prime Minister's Prizes for Science award night: Minister Karen Andrews, and 2018 Life Scientist awardee Lee Burger. </span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.scienceinpublic.com.au/category/prime-ministers-prize">Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science, Commonwealth Department of Industry, Innovation and Science</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>In Australia, only <a href="https://www.chiefscientist.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/OCS_Women_in_STEM_datasheet.pdf">16% of STEM graduates (Higher Education and VET) are women</a>, and <a href="http://www.professionalsaustralia.org.au/professional-women/wp-content/uploads/sites/48/2018/08/2018-Women-in-STEM-Survey-Report_web.pdf">27% of the total STEM workforce is female</a>.</p>
<p>So how can Australians support women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM)? Nominating and supporting them in applications for high profile opportunities, prizes and awards is a great place to start. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/walking-into-a-headwind-what-it-feels-like-for-women-building-science-careers-102259">'Walking into a headwind' – what it feels like for women building science careers</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>The economic imperative for greater female participation in STEM is overwhelming. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, upskilling just 1% of the Australian workforce into STEM roles <a href="https://www.pwc.com.au/pdf/a-smart-move-pwc-stem-report-april-2015.pdf">would add $57 billion to Australia’s gross domestic product</a> over 20 years. </p>
<p>But increasing gender equity in STEM matters beyond just economics. As a society we have a moral duty to make sure that women can participate equally in the high‑growth areas of technologically-skilled jobs. We should not put up with a situation where half the population is ill‑equipped to take part in vast areas of employment as technology rapidly evolves.</p>
<p>In December 2018, I was appointed as the Australian Government’s Women in STEM Ambassador. My role is to advocate for gender equity in STEM, increase awareness of opportunities for women in STEM, build the visibility of women working in these fields and drive cultural and social change.</p>
<h2>Self-belief is vital</h2>
<p>Relatively low representation of women in STEM careers has many <a href="http://www.professionalsaustralia.org.au/professional-women/wp-content/uploads/sites/48/2018/08/2018-Women-in-STEM-Survey-Report_web.pdf">well documented</a> causes. </p>
<p>One reason that makes its presence felt at an early age is lower self-efficacy (the belief in your ability to succeed) <a href="https://journals.iupui.edu/index.php/muj/article/download/20487/20087/">experienced by young women</a>, compared to young men in mathematics and the physical sciences. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/study-of-1-6-million-grades-shows-little-gender-difference-in-maths-and-science-at-school-101242">Study of 1.6 million grades shows little gender difference in maths and science at school</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Publicly recognising female excellence and leadership in STEM <a href="https://www.engr.psu.edu/awe/misc/arps/arp_selfefficacy_overview_122208.pdf">can go some way towards addressing this issue</a>. </p>
<p>Representation in public life can also provide a strong set of role models to young women and shine a light on career paths that may not feel achievable. Promotion of role models also helps retain women in STEM careers by defying gender stereotypes and reinforcing that successful STEM careers are possible.</p>
<h2>Increasing visibility</h2>
<p>What is being done to improve the visibility of female STEM role models? There are many exciting projects currently underway that provide a platform for women in STEM professions. </p>
<p>One is the ABC’s recent <a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=mkDBl3hw50e7lNHlNQPgEj5Fo_rp3iJCr2j3217RsWZUQzFaOEg4OEU1WEgyR0paME5XT09UQldHNS4u">push to sign up more female subject-matter experts</a>, given that only <a href="https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/ee1ce5_eeff63af2a2848478ddd7c2ce89f5555.pdf">26% of media mentions in relation to STEM stories in Australia are female.</a>.</p>
<p>The Australian Academy of Science’s upcoming STEM women database will offer a similar service, by collating information on verified female experts who can be contacted for academic, consulting or media projects. </p>
<p>Science and Technology Australia’s <a href="https://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/what-we-do/superstars-of-stem/">Superstars of STEM</a> program is providing training and opportunities for 60 female STEM practitioners in the latest round of their program. This will hopefully propel many of them into the public eye, improving gender balance in the STEM media for future generations.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-hunt-for-the-superstars-of-stem-to-engage-more-women-in-science-76854">The hunt for the Superstars of STEM to engage more women in science</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>And the winner is…</h2>
<p>Public awards and honours are another excellent avenue for celebrating female STEM talent. The most well-supported national awards provide media coverage, prize money and an increased platform for recipients to pursue projects for social benefit related to their area of expertise. </p>
<p>My 2016 award of the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-2016-eureka-prizes-showcase-the-best-in-australian-science-64668">Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Australian Science Research</a> led to several exciting and unexpected career opportunities for me, including media and public speaking engagements that raised the profile of my science. </p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.aips.net.au/tall-poppies/tall-poppy-campaign/">Tall Poppy Awards</a> also engage the public in celebrating scientific excellence and recognise its importance in forming public policy.</p>
<p>Arguably the highest-profile accolade is the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science. With a total award fund of $750,000 given to outstanding scientists, innovators and science teachers, they have the biggest budget in the business. Winning a PM’s Prize is often life-changing, leading to new opportunities and greater impact for the recipient’s work.</p>
<figure class="align-right ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/262563/original/file-20190306-100793-6ke7ou.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/262563/original/file-20190306-100793-6ke7ou.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=599&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/262563/original/file-20190306-100793-6ke7ou.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=599&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/262563/original/file-20190306-100793-6ke7ou.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=599&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/262563/original/file-20190306-100793-6ke7ou.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=753&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/262563/original/file-20190306-100793-6ke7ou.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=753&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/262563/original/file-20190306-100793-6ke7ou.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=753&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Prize winner Sarah Chapman pictured with Prime Minister Tony Abbott in 2013.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.scienceinpublic.com.au/other/2013pmsphotos">Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>For example, Sarah Chapman won the <a href="https://www.industry.gov.au/data-and-publications/prime-ministers-prizes-for-science-2013-recipient-citations">2013 PM’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools</a>. Subsequently selected as a Queensland Government Science Champion, her innovative teaching strategies were featured on <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/unique-program-offers-key-to-student-engagement-in/8581990">ABC’s Lateline</a>. </p>
<p>In 2016, Chapman was awarded a Barbara Cail STEM Fellowship and travelled overseas to gather evidence of international best practice in STEM education. With fellow recipient Dr. Rebecca Vivian she released a report: <a href="https://cew.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Engaging-the-future-of-STEM.pdf">Engaging the Future of STEM: A study of international best practice for promoting the participation of young people, particularly girls, in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM)</a>, which has contributed to the formulation of national STEM engagement policy.</p>
<p>In 2017, Jenny Graves was the <a href="https://theconversation.com/x-y-and-the-genetics-of-sex-professor-jenny-graves-awarded-the-prime-ministers-prize-for-science-2017-85740">first solo female recipient</a> of the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/x-y-and-the-genetics-of-sex-professor-jenny-graves-awarded-the-prime-ministers-prize-for-science-2017-85740">X, Y and the genetics of sex: Professor Jenny Graves awarded the Prime Minister's Prize for Science 2017</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Nominate a woman</h2>
<p>Awards are effective methods of recognition since they acknowledge and reward excellence in research, teaching and innovation and share the contemporary stories of STEM excellence with the public. By publicly recognising women’s achievements in science we reflect the collaborative and diverse nature of the field today and boost the careers of their winners.</p>
<p>Women are less likely to be nominated for awards and when they do win, they are likely to receive <a href="https://theconversation.com/minding-the-gender-gap-in-science-prizes-109219">less prestigious awards with lower prize money</a>. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/minding-the-gender-gap-in-science-prizes-109219">Minding the gender gap in science prizes</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>This International Women’s Day, you can make a difference by nominating a deserving scientist, innovator or science teacher for recognition. </p>
<p>There are only four days left to nominate for the <a href="https://www.industry.gov.au/funding-and-incentives/science-and-research/prime-ministers-prizes-for-science">Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science</a>: they close on 12 March 2019. The <a href="http://www.aips.net.au/tall-poppies/tall-poppy-campaign/young-tall-poppy-science-awards/">Tall Poppy Science Awards</a> close on 10 April 2019, and the <a href="https://australianmuseum.net.au/get-involved/eureka-prizes/enter/">Eureka Prizes</a> close 3 May 2019.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/113054/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Lisa Harvey-Smith receives funding from a Commonwealth Government grant as the Women in STEM Ambassador.</span></em></p>You can support career development by nominating a deserving scientist, innovator or science teacher for recognition through a prize or award.Lisa Harvey-Smith, Professor and Australian Government’s Women in STEM Ambassador, UNSW SydneyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.