Categories

Award categories for 2009 are:

South Australian Scientist of the Year

The South Australian Scientist of the Year will be awarded to an individual for an outstanding achievement or series of related achievements in any area of science that significantly advances knowledge and has produced an outcome of benefit to the community.

The Scientist of the Year will also have made an outstanding contribution to science in a leadership role, inspiring others to be involved in science.

South Australian Young Tall Poppy of the Year

The South Australian Young Tall Poppy of the Year acknowledges an outstanding young scientist, selected from South Australia's Young Tall Poppies.

No nominations will be received as part of the Science Excellence Awards Nomination Process. Selection is made by the Tall Poppy Campaign Awards Committee. Visit www.tallpoppies.net.au for more information.

Excellence in Research

The Excellence in Research Awards identify and promote excellence across the full spectrum of research activity, including discovery and applied research in both the physical and social sciences.

Awards will be presented in the following areas:

Commercialisation

The Award for Excellence in Research Commercialisation recognises commercial success and acceptance achieved through creating an innovative product, process or service.

The award is open to individuals, teams or organisations who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in conducting research and development, including the transfer of knowledge to achieve outcomes of commercial benefit.

Public Good

The Excellence in Research for Public Good is open to individuals, teams or organisations who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in conducting scientific research and development which has delivered social, environmental or other non-commercial benefits.

Collaboration

The Excellence in Research Collaboration Award has been created to encourage closer links between industry and the research community and will be awarded to an individual or organisation which has fostered research collaboration with industry and/or local and international institutions.

This Award supports highly commendable research that has been/is being conducted collaboratively by researchers and users of research that has let to or could lead to economic, environmental or social benefits.

Science Educators of the Year

Good teachers are critical to successful STEM education. Quality STEM teachers have a strong influence on the choices that students make and their interest in pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics disciplines.

Awards will be presented in the following areas:

School

The School Science Educator of the Year Award is open to individuals from the education sector (early childhood, primary or secondary: public, catholic or independent) who have made an oustanding contribution to the enhancement of student learning.

The School Science Educator of the Year will have inspired their students to become involved in high quality learning outcomes in science.

Tertiary

Sponsored by BAE Systems Australia

The Tertiary Science Educator of the Year Award is open to individuals from the higher education sector (VET, TAFE and university) that have made an outstanding contribution to the enhancement of student learning.

The Tertiary Science Educator of the Year will have inspired their students to become involved in student-centered investigation, where students seek answers to scientific questions posed by them and set in real world contexts.

Community

Sponsored by The Royal Institution of Australia

The Community Science Educator of the Year Award is open to individuals, groups or organisations for an outstanding and innovative program of science awareness and engagement delivered within the past years.

The Award recognises the enhancement of teh community's appreciation of the contribution of science and its impact on society and environment.