2007 Tall Poppies of science

Identifying genes that cause cancer, comprehending the impact of pollution on the Great Barrier Reef, treating inherited childhood nerve diseases with vitamin C and developing new molecules to help drugs attack cancer cells… These are just some of the advances in science made by this year’s winners. And this is what they’ll spend the year talking to high school students about.

Selected on the basis of research achievement and passion for communicating their work, thirteen scientists under 40 will be recognised with Young Tall Poppy Science awards on Thursday evening

What makes the Young Tall Poppy Science Awards unique is that instead of winning money or prizes, the scientists win the opportunity to take their research to high school students around NSW, ACT and across Australia. As part of the Tall Poppy Campaign, the Award winners will undertake a program of school visits to inspire a new generation to get passionate about science.

Why? Because the number of students studying chemistry, maths and physics – subjects that feed key areas of workforce demand – are in freefall decline with enrolments now lower than in 1989. And the issue is a long way from simply upsetting science enthusiasts. With issues like climate change and cancer looming over a generation of young people currently in high school, the need for a science-educated population has never been more relevant.

“The Award winners demonstrate to the next generation that a career in science in Australia can make a real contribution to the health, productivity, sustainability and creativity of our society,” says Tall Poppy Campaign Director, Dorothy Davis.

• The Tall Poppy Campaign – Dorothy Davis, Director – (02) 9810 5642. http://www.aips.net.au/tallpoppies/index.html