2009 New South Wales Award Winner

Associate Professor Sebastien Perrier

The University of Sydney Sebastien’s research aims to develop techniques that provide structure and functionality control over polymers to enable the production of innovative polymeric materials with improved properties. These improved polymers have the potential to be used in fields from pharmacy to nanotechnology. Polymer Chemistry Chemistry

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Dr David Warton

The University of New South Wales David harnesses new technologies to develop methods of data analysis to understand the biological world including new methods for allometry, used by scientists globally in projects as diverse as primate evolution, and plant physiology.  He is currently developing methods for predicting how ecological communities will respond to climate change,…

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Dr Donna Green

The University of New South Wales. Donna’s research on climate impacts in northern Australia is focused on remote indigenous communities. By providing scientific information and carrying out knowledge sharing activities with these communities, the aim of her project is to build social, cultural and economic resilience to the direct and indirect impacts of climate change….

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Dr James Rabeau

Macquarie University James bases his research around making very small diamonds using materials processing, and microscopy techniques to look at them.  Diamond can emit particles of light, called photons, which are a crucial component in several new breakthrough fields.  Two leading examples are quantum technologies for advanced communications or computing, and bio-medical imaging where the…

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Dr Joshua Madin

Macquarie University. Joshua’s research looks at how storms and the waves they generate shape coral reef communities on the Great Barrier Reef.  He does this by using engineering equations to calculate which coral species are better at withstanding forces generated by extremely large waves. The strength of different corals depends on their various sizes, shapes,…

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Dr Julie Redfern

ANZAC Research Institute and The University of Sydney Julie’s research aims to help patients who survive a heart event but who do not participate in an existing prevention program.  She is currently undertaking a series of scientific studies where patients can access a prevention program that involves goal-setting and regular encouragement and where patients themselves…

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Dr Kira Westaway

Macquarie University – Kira was jointly named the 2009 NSW Tall Poppy of the Year Kira uses bone evidence at archaeological sites to reconstruct and date the environments experienced by early humans to provide archaeologists with a better understanding of how our early ancestors lived and died. As part of a research team, she is…

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Dr Marcus Cole

The University of New South Wales. Marcus conducts his research into two tremendously important fields of molecular science: the methods for hydrogen storage for fuel/energy applications, and the discovery of applications for, and isolation of, heavy metals such as uranium, of which Australia has some of the World’s largest mineral deposits. Chemistry

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Dr Maria Nowotny

University of Western Sydney Maria’s research is directly focused on developing a readily accessible technology which improves the way in which industry and households manage their water consumption. More specifically, she is involved in engineering and developing an efficient photocatalytic material for solar driven water purification. Water Purification Nanotechnology Chemistry

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Dr Mary Kavurma

The University of New South Wales. Mary’s work is focused on understanding abnormal cell growth in arteries which is a major factor in the blockages during cardiovascular disease. Her aim is to identify the major molecules that control cell growth (and death), crucial to ensure that the artery does not become blocked. Cell Biology Atherosclerosis…

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