About the Science Excellence Awards

Since the introduction of the Awards in 2005, the State Government has recognised the effort and achievement of more than 40 scientists, many of whom are world leaders in their respective fields.

Researchers of this calibre continue South Australia’s long tradition of achievement in science, which began with father and son partnership of William and Lawrence Bragg, who jointly won the Nobel Prize in 1915 and Howard Florey who was awarded the Prize in 1945 for his pioneering work in the discovery of penicillin.

Five categories are included in the 2012 Awards, with a total of nine awards. The leading category of South Australian Scientist of the Year has been retained as in previous years.

The remaining categories focus on high achieving early stage career professionals and educators.

These include recent PhD awardees and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) professionals already employed and making their mark in industry, and STEM educators and teachers at school and post school levels providing quality teaching critical to building a strong foundation for the State’s key growth sectors.