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The South Australian Science Excellence and Innovation Awards recognise and celebrate individuals and teams who are driving innovation, creativity and positive impact across science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM).

The Awards showcase the critical importance of science, research and innovation to industry and society as a whole.

South Australia is home to an incredible pool of scientists, innovators, educators and researchers, and this year’s finalists are no exception, delivering positive social, economic, health and environmental outcomes for the state.

Recognising the importance of diverse perspectives in STEMM, this year’s Awards introduce a new category for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals or teams working in STEMM.

Finalists of this inaugural award include a culturally informed program reducing diabetes-relaed foot amputations in rural Aboriginal communities, and Aboriginal-led evaluation team using research to advance social change through justice reinvestment initiatives, and a partnership combining Indigenous knowledge and scientific research to restore a culturally significant species and improve river health for future generations.

Finalists across other categories include a researcher transforming how chronic pain is understood and treated, an educator connecting school students with opportunities in the aviation and space sectors, a scientist developing affordable thermal imaging technology, an epidemiologist using large-scale data to shape how aged care is delivered, and a team of scientists, doctors and health professionals working together to improve the lives of patients with Motor Neurone Disease.

The 21 finalists will come together at the awards presentation dinner celebration on 12 November in Adelaide.