In conjunction with the National Science Week in Australia, the 2021 winners of the West Australian Premier’s Science Awards were announced at the awards ceremony on Monday 16 August 2021, held at the West Australian (WA) Museum Boola Bardip.
The prestigious annual awards are a keystone in the WA government’s efforts to raise the profile of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in WA. Over the years, awards alumni have become important ambassadors for the state, helping to inspire future generations to take up courses and careers in STEM.
This year, the University of Western Australia’s Professor Eric May took home the WA Scientist of the Year award. He’s an internationally recognised leader in the areas of fluid science, thermodynamics, metrology and natural gas engineering. His development and use of measurement technology has produced explanations for long-standing scientific mysteries, revealed unexpected physical phenomena, and helped improve industrial processes.
Real-world outcomes of Professor May’s research include reducing the cost and environmental impact of liquefied natural gas (LNG) production, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions from coal mines and optimising air conditioning cycles based on new, environmentally-friendly refrigerants. His work has also helped difficult offshore gas reserves be developed and advanced carbon capture and storage operations. He is now leading the new Future Energy Exports Cooperative Research Centre with major industry partners to help grow Australia’s hydrogen export industry.
Other Premier’s Science Awards were also presented to:
- Associate Professor Edward Litton (University of Western Australia and Fiona Stanley Hospital) and Dr Arman Siahvashi (University of Western Australia) – joint winners of the Woodside Early Career Scientist of the Year;
- Liam Scarlett (Curtin University) and Niamh Troy (University of Western Australia and Telethon Kids Institute) – ExxonMobil Student Scientist of the Year;
- Daniel Curran (Curtin University) – Shell Aboriginal STEM Student of the Year; and
- FIRST LEGO League WA (Curtin University) – Chevron Science Engagement Initiative of the Year.
Team DUG joins the science community in WA in offering our sincerest congratulations to all the winners.
