Nominations sought for the APEC Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Education

The Australian Academy of Science (AAS) has released a call for applications from Australian based early career researchers for the APEC Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Education. For further information including eligibility requirements and how to apply please visit this page.

The ASPIRE Prize is an annual award, valued at $25,000 USD (approximately $32,000 – $34,000 AUD), which recognises young scientists from APEC economies who have demonstrated a commitment to both excellence in scientific research, as evidenced by scholarly publication, and cooperation with scientists from other APEC member economies. 

Each year the APEC host economy is asked to provide a theme to guide nominations for the ASPIRE Prize to be awarded in their host year. For its host year of 2017, Vietnam has selected New Materials Technologies as the ASPIRE nominating theme. This interdisciplinary theme focuses on how new and advanced materials are used to drive scientific innovation.

Each member economy, through its representative on the APEC Policy Partnership for Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI), is invited to nominate one young scientist under the age of 40 to be considered for the 2017 ASPIRE Prize. Nominees should demonstrate excellence in scientific research and cooperation with scientists from other APEC member economies in fields such as:

• materials and biomaterials science
• polymer chemistry
• chemical and mechanical engineering
• solid-state physics
• nanotechnology
• new technologies based on novel materials
• novel materials and technologies for healthcare
• environmental protection
• energy
• novel material processing for mineral waste materials
• other relevant fields.

A limit of two applications per eligible institution applies. Therefore, the Monash Research Office (MRO) will convene a Selection Panel to shortlist two proposals that will be submitted by the University.
Applications close on Monday 20 February 2017. The application form will be available from the AAS website and is attached here.
Please complete and submit the following documents by 9am Friday 10th February:
1. Application form
2. Proof of Australian citizenship/permanent residency
3. The candidate's CV
4. One letter of recommendation (see website for notes on referees)
5. Photo of the nominee
Due to the need for a selection panel, only complete applications will be considered.
These documents need to be submitted to MRO via PURE.

Key dates:

Full applications due to MRO: 9am, 10 February 2017

Applicants notified of selection outcome: 17 February 2017

Applications submitted to funder by MRO: 9am, 20 February 2017

Important information about the scheme

Applications are open to eligible Australian based early career researchers, specifically:

·  applicants under the age of 40 as at 31 December 2017

·  applicants must be Australian citizens or Australian permanent residents who are citizens of an APEC member economy, living in Australia at the time of submission of the application.

For any enquiries, please contact mro-arc@monash.edu.