2021 Winners
South Australian Scientist of the Year
Professor Shizhang Qiao
Leads transformative work in energy conversion and storage technologies, bringing together expertise in materials engineering, physical chemistry, electrochemistry and quantum chemistry.
Innovator of the Year sponsored by Novatech
Associate Professor Justin Chalker
Inventor of a portfolio of green technologies that support the business activities of Clean Earth Technologies (CET), including materials for capturing toxic metals ensuring environmental and human health.
PhD Research Excellence
Dr Alicia Byrne
Dr Byrne’s PhD explores the how and why of stillbirth, with an aim of giving affected families the answers they are searching for.
STEMM Educator of the Year – Primary or Secondary School Teaching sponsored by Commonwealth Bank and Telstra
​
Mr Graham Wegner
Mr Wegner is acknowledged for his contributions as Assistant Principal at Prospect North Primary School, where he developed great STEMM programs and opportunities for students.
​​
STEMM Educator of the Year – University or RTO Teaching sponsored by Commonwealth Bank and Telstra
Professor Giselle Rampersad
A professor in the College of Science and Engineering at Flinders University leading the award-winning Diploma of Digital Technologies program.
Excellence in Science and Industry Collaboration
The Australian Institute for Machine Learning
From 2018 to 2021, The Australian Institute for Machine Learning Industry Solutions team worked with 21 small-medium businesses to enhance AI and machine learning capability within their operations.
Tall Poppy of the Year
Dr Hannah Wardill
NHMRC CJ Martin Biomedical Research Fellow, The University of Adelaide.
Unsung Hero of Science
​​
Dr Michala Short
Senior Lecturer in Radiation Therapy and a researcher at the UniSA Cancer Research Institute.
Unsung Hero of Science Communication
Mr Terry Reardon
Terry Reardon is recognised for his unprecedented contribution to the public understanding of bats and their conservation.
SA Citizen Science and Engagement Awards - Outstanding Community Engagement
Kangaroo Island/Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch
A citizen-led community volunteer project undertaking research into dolphin behaviours, movement patterns, preferred habitat, migratory pathways and home range.
SA Citizen Science and Engagement Awards - Outstanding Science and Research
Echidna CSI
The Echidna Conservation Science Initiative (Echidna CSI) brings together world-leading ecological and molecular researchers, students, and the Australian community to address fundamental questions about echidnas to aid in their conservation.
