Victoria’s top science awards highlight industry innovation

The Minister for Industry, Lily D’Ambrosio officially announced the two recipients of the prestigious $50,000 Victoria Prize for Science and Innovation and 12 Victoria Fellowship winners on Thursday, 15 October 2015.

Professor Calum Drummond and Professor John Hopper were each awarded the Victoria Prize which recognises the important role innovation plays in our economic future and the need for Victorians to be skilled in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Professor Drummond, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation and Vice-President at RMIT, was awarded the Victoria Prize (Physical Sciences) for outstanding contribution to advancing the understanding of the factors governing molecular assembly, and particle and surface interactions in liquids – his research in chemistry has enabled the development and commercialisation of advanced high-performance materials for economic and community benefit.

Professor John Hopper, Director of Research at the Centre for Molecular, Environmental and Genetic and Analytic Epidemiology with the School of Population Health at the University of Melbourne, was awarded the Victoria Prize (Life Sciences) for outstanding contribution to understanding the roles of genetic and environmental factors on Australia’s major cancers and other diseases with significant clinical and population health benefits.

“Congratulations to the winners of the prestigious Victoria Prize and Fellowships. Victoria’s reputation in science innovation is truly a testament to the high quality of innovators and researchers that our universities produce,” Minister for Industry Lily D’Ambrosio said.

“We’re committed to supporting Victorians in science, engineering and technology, to research in the areas that will help create industry growth, including local jobs and a stronger economy,” she added.

Twelve Victoria Fellows, eight of them women, will also receive travel grants of up to $18,000 to support researchers in science, engineering and technology, who are in the early stages of their career and would benefit from an international study mission.

veski chief executive officer Ms Julia L Page congratulated the recipients on their prestigious awards and noted the large number of female Victoria Fellows demonstrating the continued success of the inspiring women program.

The Andrews Labor Government will continue to support these important fellowship programs, which align with the government’s plan to drive growth in six key emerging industries, including medical technology and pharmaceuticals, new energy technology and international education.

veski administers the Victoria Prize for Science and Innovation and the Victoria Fellowships on behalf of the Victorian Government.