news
The ‘convivial’ five
ABC and UNSW announce
Australia’s top science scholars.
By Dallas Bastian
T
he ABC and UNSW Sydney are
spotlighting five early-career science
researchers through recently
announced media residencies.
This year, the Top 5 emerging scholars
work in fields ranging from psychology to
geology and were selected from more than
campusreview.com.au
150 applicants from Australian universities
and research institutes.
Professor Emma Johnston, UNSW dean
of science and Top 5 ambassador, said:
“It has never been more important to raise
awareness of science, to engage the public
with some of the most critical global issues
we have ever faced and to help inspire the
next generation of scientists.
“This year’s exceptionally talented
winners are enthusiastic about science
communication and ensuring complex
research discoveries reach a wide audience.”
The recipients will undertake a two-week
residency at ABC RN, working alongside
journalists and broadcasters to create
content across radio, television and online.
This year’s Top 5 are:
∞ Dr Alex Russell, a psychologist at
CQUniversity, who is researching
gambling behaviour, including the role of
advertising and sports micro betting
∞ Dr Chameen Samarawickrama, an eye
surgeon and vision researcher at the
University of Sydney, who is developing a
glue to fix damaged corneas
∞ Dr Dominique Tanner, a University of
Wollongong geologist, who is studying
how precious metals are created in
undersea volcanoes
∞ Dr Hannah Kirk, a cognitive scientist at
Monash University, who is developing
digital technology to detect and treat
children’s attention difficulties
∞ Dr Lila Landowski, a University of Tasmania
neuroscientist, who is working on new
ways to study stroke and investigating the
brain processes behind fatigue.
ABC broadcaster Robyn Williams, who
was a co-adjudicator of the Top 5, said the
team was struck by the high standard and
“appealing conviviality” of the recipients.
“They are passionate about science
communication, and I am looking forward
to seeing them share their knowledge and
expertise with the ABC’s audience.”
UNSW and the ABC will announce the
Top 5 humanities winners on July 12. ■
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