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Scientists from The University of Western Australia are the three finalists in the 2011 WA Scientist of the Year Awards.

The $50,000 award is offered by the WA Department of Commerce and acknowledges an individual scientist who has demonstrated excellence in a field of science, science research or technological advancement in Western Australia over the past 10 years.

Professor Sarah Dunlop was named as a finalist for her work in premature baby survival, spinal cord injury recovery and overcoming the cycle of drug-seeking behaviours.  Her wide-ranging research has led to major discoveries that have changed medical practices around the world.

She is Principal Research Fellow at the National Health and Medical Research Council and UWA Winthrop Research Professor.

Professor Richard Hobbs is a distinguished ecologist whose research has laid the foundation for important developments in our understanding of the conservation of ecosystems and landscapes, the management of invasive species and the restoration of degraded ecosystems.

He is Professor of Restoration Ecology at UWA and an Australian Research Council Australian Laureate Fellow.

Professor Mark Randolph is a distinguished geotechnical engineer who has been instrumental in developing and translating geotechnical engineering expertise into workable solutions for both the local and international offshore oil and gas industry.

He is a Professor of Civil Engineering at UWA's Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems and Director of Advanced Geomechanics.

The Western Australian Science Awards were established in 2002 to honour and reward the outstanding achievements of WA's science and innovation community and to celebrate the State's best scientists, science communicators and science teachers in seven categories.

The winners will be announced on Thursday 8 December at 7pm at the Perth Convention Centre.

Media references

Michael Sinclair-Jones (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 3229  /  (+61 4) 00 700 783