The Minister for Industry, Lily D’Ambrosio this evening congratulated the two winners of the prestigious $50,000 Victoria Prize for Science and Innovation and 12 Victoria Fellowship winners.
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.
Twelve Victoria Fellowship winners 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.
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.
Quotes attributable Minister for Industry Lily D’Ambrosio
“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.”
“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.”
2015 Victoria fellowship winners
Life Sciences
- Dr Lauren Ayton from the University of Melbourne will travel to France, Germany and Italy
- Ms Danielle Ingle from the University of Melbourne will travel to the United Kingdom and France
- Mr Daniel Corp from Deakin University will travel to the United States
- Dr Severine Lamon from Deakin University will travel to the United States
- Dr Jodie McClelland from Latrobe University will travel to Sweden
- Dr Janine Trevillyan from Monash University will travel to the United States
Physical Sciences
- Dr Daniel Gomez from CSIRO will travel to the United States and Germany
- Dr Ke Wang from the University of Melbourne will travel to the United States
- Ms Ada Wing Chi Yan from the University of Melbourne will travel to Canada and the United States
- Dr Nisa Salim from Deakin University will travel to the United States, Turkey and Germany
- Mr Alex Schenk from La Trobe University will travel to Germany and Scotland
- Dr Madhu Bhaskaran from RMIT University will travel to the United States, the United Kingdom and Switzerland
Reviewed 19 August 2020