Four Â鶹ֱ²¥ researchers and the popular Curtin-driven citizen science program, Fireballs in the Sky, have been shortlisted in the 2016 Premier\u2019s Science Awards, which celebrate the State\u2019s best in scientific research and science engagement.<\/p>\n
Among the four finalists for Scientist of the Year is Professor Kingsley Dixon, a Curtin professor and visiting professor at Kings Park and Botanic Garden; and Professor Zheng-Xiang Li, Co-Director of the Australia-China Joint Research Centre for Tectonics and Earth Resources at the Curtin WA School of Mines.<\/p>\n
Those vying for Woodside Early Career Scientist of the Year include lecturer Dr Kaiming Bi and senior lecturer Dr Jun Li, both of Curtin\u2019s School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, while the Fireballs in the Sky program has been shortlisted for the Chevron Science Engagement Initiative of the Year.<\/p>\n
Professor Brett Kirk, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, said Curtin\u2019s representation amongst the finalists reflected the University\u2019s strong research record and leadership in the areas of environmental science, geoscience, engineering and the mysteries of space.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was pleased to see the diversity of research fields represented amongst the finalists, and the level of talent evidenced amongst both our early career and more experienced researchers,\u201d Professor Kirk said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur finalists showcase Curtin\u2019s strong engagement and collaboration with our industry and community partners.<\/p>\n
\u201cCurtin has a proud heritage of leading research that is both fundamentally ground breaking, but also impactful and influential on improving society and the way people live.\u00a0 These two drivers of research excellence and meaningful impact align with the Australian National Innovation and Science Agenda released late in 2015.\u201d<\/p>\n
Professor Kirk said the impact of the finalists\u2019 research was exciting.<\/p>\n
\u201cProfessor Kingsley Dixon\u2019s breakthroughs have directly led to preservation of threatened species, and Professor Zheng-Xiang Li\u2019s contributions help us to understand how the earth has developed over the past 2 billion years,\u201d Professor Kirk said.<\/p>\n
\u201cProfessor Phil Bland and the Fireballs team have revealed unprecedented new knowledge on the origins of the solar system in partnership with the public, while Dr Jun Li and Dr Kaiming Bi have both made advances toward the monitoring and protection of our national infrastructure and the protection of Australian lives.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe collective achievements of our finalists reflect the strength of Western Australian research showcased by the Premier\u2019s Science Awards, and Curtin congratulates all finalists on their selection.\u201d<\/p>\n
Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 18 August as part of National Science Week 2016, which runs from 13-18 August.<\/p>\n