Nominations open for science awards

Nominations are now open for the 2014 Peter Doherty Awards for Excellence in Science and Science Education. 

Education, Training and Employment Minister, John-Paul Langbroek said the awards recognised Year 12 students, science teachers, support officers, schools and science education partners who make outstanding contributions to science education in Queensland. 

“This year, 27 awards worth a total of $109,000 are available in five categories,” Mr Langbroek said. 

“The awards are a great opportunity for eligible members of school communities to nominate and become active ambassadors for science education. 

“Skills in science, technology, economics and mathematics are critical to Queensland’s future, and will play an important role in building a strong four pillar economy.” 

Mr Langbroek said the highly-respected awards, now in their 11th year, help highlight the importance of science in our schools as well as its relevance to Queensland’s prosperity. 

“The awards are named after Brisbane-born and educated Nobel Laureate, Professor Peter Doherty AC whom I had the honour of meeting at last year’s awards,” he said. 

“The Professor is a true mentor for all members of the science community, after being a co-recipient of the 1996 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine and being named 1997 Australian of the Year.” 

Mr Langbroek said science education was critical for every Queensland student because it inspired pupils to be questioning, reflective thinkers able to make informed, evidence-based decisions in an increasingly complex society. 

“The world needs many science champions to help resolve our environmental, economic, social and humanitarian problems as we move through the 21st Century,” he said. 

The award categories for the 2014 Peter Doherty Awards for Excellence in Science and Science Education are: 

• Outstanding Senior Science Student Awards – 10 awards of $3,000 each
• Outstanding Teacher of Science Awards – 10 awards of $5,000 each
• Outstanding Science Support Officer Awards – two awards of $5,000 each
• Science Education Partnership Awards– three awards of $3,000 each
• School Science Awards – two awards of $5,000 each. 

Applicants may nominate themselves or be nominated by another person. For more information about the awards and eligibility criteria, visit http://education.qld.gov.au/curriculum/area/science/all-stars.html. 

Nominations close at 5pm on 2 May 2014, with the winners to be announced during National Science Week from August 16 to 24. 

[ENDS] 3 March 2014                                                          

Contact: Minister’s office 3237 1000