$10K in funding up for grabs for standout women in STEM
Published Wednesday, 17 January, 2018 at 12:09 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Minister for Science and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Leeanne Enoch
Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence
The Honourable Di Farmer
Pioneering Queensland women in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and maths are invited to apply for the 2018 Queensland Women in STEM Prize, which opens today.
The prize features two categories, each worth $5000: the Jury Award, where a panel of judges will nominate the winner, and the People’s Choice Award, with the winner chosen by members of the public.
Minister for Science Leeanne Enoch called on women in STEM right across Queensland to submit an application and potentially follow in the footsteps of 2017 award recipients Dr Nasim Amiralian and Ms Jordan Debono.
“We know Queensland is home to so many inspiring women working in STEM careers, and this competition is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate their talent,” Ms Enoch said.
“For example, the work of last year’s winners Dr Nasim Amiralian and Ms Jordan Debono is helping us discover more responsive drugs to combat disease and potentially establish new manufacturing industries locally.
“Our government is proud to highlight the big scientific breakthroughs being made right here in Queensland, and initiatives like this Women in STEM Prize allow us to do just that.”
Minister for Women Di Farmer said it is absolutely vital that women working in STEM are valued and recognised for their contributions.
“Year after year, we continue to see more women excelling in the areas of science, technology, engineering and maths,” Ms Farmer said.
“That’s why we need to continue to celebrate these talented and hardworking women, and encourage more young girls to take up careers in STEM.”
Queensland Museum Network CEO and Director Dr Jim Thompson added, “Women are spearheading some terrific innovations in STEM fields across the state, and I urge those in the early to mid-stages of their career to shine a light on their work by entering the Queensland Women in STEM competition.
“It’s important we recognise and reward these researchers for the groundbreaking work they’re doing,” he said.
Recipients will be announced on 24 March 2018 during World Science Festival Brisbane.
Applications close at 4pm, 26 February 2018 and can be submitted online.
ENDS
Media contact: Ben Doyle 0437 859 987 (Minister Enoch); Ron Goodman 0427 781 920 (Minister Farmer)