The State Government initiative to significantly increase the value
of the annual Premier’s Science Awards was to be highly commended,
according to Professor George Stewart of The University of Western
Australia.

“The massive boost in prize money to make them the richest State
based science awards in Australia will attract both national and
international attention to science in Western Australia,” Professor
Stewart, Dean of UWA’s Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences said.

“This will enable scientists in teaching and research in Western
Australia to enhance their national and international profile to a
level that will bring added benefits not only to themselves and their
work but also to the State and the nation.”

Professor Stewart said the importance of encouraging scientists,
both young and experienced to participate in the awards could not be
underestimated.

“In Western Australia we have a proud tradition of producing world
class research in many fields of science, including our most recent
Nobel Prize winners, Professors Barry Marshall and Robin Warren.

“As a civilised and progressive society we need to work as a
community to ensure that our scientists are as well recognised for
their contribution as are our world class sports people, artists and
musicians,” he said.

Media references

Professor George Stewart    61 8  6488 3159

Simone Hewett / Francesca Robb    61 8  6488 7977
(UWA Public Affairs)    0420 790 097 / 0420 790 098