Nominations open for 2010 Victoria Prize and Fellowships

The Brumby Labor Government today invited Victoria’s leading and emerging scientists, engineers and innovators to enter the prestigious 2010 Victoria Prize and Victoria Fellowships.

Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings said previous Victoria Prize and Victoria Fellowships winners had pioneered new ways of treating heart failure, stress and high blood pressure as well as the development of polymer technology which is now used to make bank notes in 22 countries.

“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to support the innovative thinking which underpins much of modern society and is also an important driver of the Victorian economy that creates jobs for working families,” Mr Jennings said.

“Our science and innovation community are meeting the challenges that confront 21st century society and it is essential that the Government recognises their important role.”

Mr Jennings said the $50,000 Victoria Prize and six $18,000 Victoria Fellowships have been awarded annually since 1998. The awards program is one of the richest and most prestigious in Australia.

“Last year’s Victoria Prize was awarded to Professor Murray Esler who has pioneered new ways of treating heart failure, stress and high blood pressure and whose work continues to change the practice of medicine,” Mr Jennings said.

“The Victoria Fellowships are open to young Victorians working in science, engineering or technology in industry or as a postgraduate about to complete their studies.

“Victoria Fellows receive grants of up to $18,000 for an international study mission to develop a commercial idea, further their research or undertake specialist training not available locally.

“Young people working in research and development are innovators whose research will help to tackle the challenges facing Victoria and the world, and they deserve our support.”

Other past recipients include Professor Peter Colman for his leading role at CSIRO in the discovery of the swine flu drug Zanamivir (Relenza) and Professor David Solomon for his work on polymer technology, which includes the development of the world's first plastic bank note.

The $100,000 Anne & Eric Smorgon Memorial Award is also presented to a research institute supporting the work of the Victoria Prize recipient.

Winners of the 2010 Victoria Fellowships, whose study mission includes research undertaken in France, are also eligible to apply for a $5,000 AFAS Victoria Fellowship.

Applications open today and close 14 April 2010. For more information and to apply visit http://www.business.vic.gov.au/vicprize.