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Government of South Australia - Department of State Development

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    Celebrating South Australia’s STEMM leaders

    South Australia’s leading scientists, educators and innovators have been acknowledged at the 19th annual SA Science Excellence and Innovation Awards.

    Each year, the Department for Industry, Innovation and Science hosts the SA Science Excellence and Innovation Awards, to recognise the outstanding work of our state’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM) leaders—including educators, scientists, researchers, and industry professionals.

    In 2023, nominations from more than 60 promising candidates across six categories were assessed by a judging panel comprised of experienced representatives from industry, research, government, and education.

    A group of 18 finalists were selected earlier this year, before the six winners were announced at a celebration dinner on Friday 17 November, where 400 guests gathered to celebrate at The Grainger Studios.

    To learn more about the outstanding work of each winner, visit scienceawards.sa.gov.au.

    The 2023 SA Science Excellence and Innovation Awards were held in partnership with platinum sponsors Novatech Creative Event Technology, Commonwealth Bank, and Telstra.

    Headshots for EDM Science Awards13

    Professor Helen Marshall, 2023 Scientist of the Year

    “My main area of contribution internationally has been the availability of meningococcal vaccines to protect children against meningococcal meningitis and sepsis,” Professor Marshall said.

    “I led the first clinical trials of a meningococcal B vaccine globally and then advocated for the meningococcal B vaccine herd immunity study to be undertaken in South Australia.

    “This meant South Australian young people had early and free access to a licensed meningococcal B vaccine.”

    Despite previous honours such as the 2022 SA Australian of the Year, and 2022 Woman of the Year titles, Professor Marshall maintains it is a great honour to receive this recognition as SA Scientist of the Year.

    “I love my job, I feel so privileged to work in such an exciting and important area,” she said.

    “I think there is a responsibility that comes with winning awards. It’s about being a role model for the next generation especially for women.

    “It’s important that there are more women achieving and being recognised for their research leadership to inspire the next generation of leaders.”

    2023 SA Science Excellence and Innovation Award winners

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