Young Tall Poppy Awards for Macquarie scientists

30 October 2009

Macquarie University's Dr Kira Westaway was named most outstanding scientist for NSW/ACT at last night's Young Tall Poppy Science Awards, an award she shared with Dr Michael Valenzuela from the University of NSW.

Westaway, who is an ARC postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Environment and Geography, received a medal as well as $1500 at a gala evening held to celebrate the awards.

She is known for her research into the "hobbit" Homo floresciensis. She received the award for her work using bone evidence at archaeological sites to reconstruct and date the events experienced by early humans. The work provides archaeologists with a better understanding of how our early ancestors lived and died.

This year, a record three outstanding young Macquarie University scientists were among the crop of 18 who received Young Tall Poppy Awards in NSW/ACT. Westaway was joined by Dr James Rabeau, senior lecturer and ARC Fellow in the Department of Physics and Dr Joshua Madin, who lectures in Biological Sciences.

Rabeau's research covers the fabrication, measurement and applications of nano diamonds which can be used in a wide range of applications in science and technology such as encryption. Madin looks at how storms and the waves they generate shape coral reef communities on the Great Barrier Reef.

The Young Tall Poppy Awards are now in their 10^th year. They recognise high achievers at the early stages of their careers who are making major breakthroughs across all scientific fields.

As part of their awards, all 18 scientists who were nominated for a Young Tall Poppy Award will spend the next year sharing their knowledge with school students, teachers and the broader community and help promote science across Australia as part of the Tall Poppy Campaign run by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science.

For more information, visit the website