Nominations open for ASPIRE Prize 2018

The Australian Academy of Science is inviting Australian researchers to nominate for the APEC Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Education (ASPIRE) 2018.

The ASPIRE Prize is an annual award which recognises young scientists who have demonstrated a commitment to both excellence in scientific research, as evidenced by scholarly publication, and cooperation with scientists from other APEC (Asia–Pacific Economic Cooperation) member economies as demonstrated by the impact to APEC economies through market-led innovation.

Valued at US$25,000, the prize supports APEC’s mission to:

• strengthen international science and technology networks
• enhance economic growth, trade and investment opportunities in harmony with sustainable development, through policies, innovative R&D and technologies, and knowledge sharing
• improve linkages and efficiency between research and innovation.

As host economy for the 2018 prize, Papua New Guinea has selected the ASPIRE nominating theme ‘Smart Technologies for Healthy Societies’. This interdisciplinary theme focuses on how scientists are capitalising on smart technologies and digital platforms to provide better healthcare access and services across the APEC region.

With each member economy invited to nominate one young scientist to be considered for the 2018 ASPIRE Prize, the Australian Government and the Australian Academy of Science are running a national competition to select three Australian finalists — the winner of which will be nominated for the prize alongside other economies’ candidates. The prize will be presented at an award ceremony during the Tenth APEC PPSTI meeting in Papua New Guinea later this year.

To be eligible for the prize, Australian researchers must be under 40 years of age by 31 December 2018 and be an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident living in Australia at time of application. Applicants’ research should be relevant to the 2018 nominating theme; relevance to the Australian Government’s Science and Research Priorities will also be highly regarded.

The call for nominations will close on 11 April at 5 pm AEST, with the outcome to be announced by mid-May. The application must be submitted by the research office or grants office of the applicant’s institution, not by the applicant themselves.

For more information and to download the application form, visit the Australian Academy of Science website.