Prize for creative young scientists to honour the late Neil Lawrence

The Centenary Institute Lawrence Creative Prize (CILCP) is now open for 2015, looking to reward Australia’s brightest young scientists for asking the bold questions that others would not think possible.

The prize was created in 2012 in recognition of respected advertising creative Neil Lawrence, a long-time supporter and former board member of the institute. Lawrence sadly passed away this week during a surfing holiday in the Maldives.

The CILCP will be awarded by an international judging panel of top medical researchers, including HPV vaccine creator Professor Ian Frazer. The overall winner will receive a hand-blown glass trophy, along with a cash component of $25,000, while the second- and third-prize winners will be awarded $5000 to continue to develop their research.

This year has seen the introduction of a People’s Choice category, allowing applicants to showcase their work to the wider community via a short video. The Centenary Institute encourages members of the community to visit Thinkable.org to vote for their favourite applicant or make a contribution to support their research via the crowdfunding capabilities of the site.

The Centenary Institute’s executive director, Professor Mathew Vadas AO, said the CILCP provides “a great opportunity for young scientists right across the country to showcase their research to some of the world’s leading scientists, as well as the broader Australian community”.

“80% of the biggest scientific discoveries for humanity have come from researchers younger than 45 years of age,” Professor Vadas said.

“Over the years the Centenary Institute Lawrence Creative Prize has supported some of Australia’s finest young researchers, including Professor Geoff Faulkner, who looks at DNA in the human brain; and Connie Wong, who is working to prevent early deaths following stroke.”

Professor Vadas additionally conveyed the institute’s sadness at the loss of Lawrence, calling him “a champion of the Centenary cause”.

“Neil served on the Centenary Institute board of governors between 2006 and 2013,” he said. “In 2008 he executed the strategic rebranding of the institute, tirelessly offering his expertise, support and guidance. He served as chairman of Centenary’s foundation from 2008 to 2012. He was instrumental in launching the foundation’s annual dinner in 2009.

“We offer our sincere condolences to Neil’s wife Caroline, his family and friends during this extremely difficult time.”

Applications for the CILCP are now open at https://thinkable.org/competition/12.