To foster and recognise excellence in Victoria’s early career scientists, the Royal Society of Victoria has established four prestigious competitive prizes open to Victorian students in their final year of doctoral candidature, in all areas of the Biomedical & Health Sciences, Biological Sciences (Non-human), Earth Sciences and Physical Sciences.

Following assessment of applications across the four categories, eight finalists have been selected to present to our audience on the evening of 16 August, 2018.

Earth Sciences:

Mrs Anindita Samsu, Monash University
Miss Sonya Fiddes, The University of Melbourne

Physical Sciences:

Mr Radhika De Silva, Monash University
Miss Victoria Coyle, RMIT University

Biological Sciences (non-human):

Mr Axel Newton, The University of Melbourne
Ms Hayley Cameron, Monash University

Biomedical Sciences:

Mr John-Paul Fuller-Jackson, Monash University
Mr Aidan Kashyap, Monash University

Of the eight finalists, only four will win the prize of $1,250 for their respective categories. The award is based on demonstration of the applicant’s excellence in scientific research, ability to communicate scientific information clearly and succinctly to an audience of scientists and members of the general public on their particular research field and to answer questions from the audience.

Each of the short-listed candidates will be required to give a 15 minute oral presentation (10 minutes presentation, 5 minutes discussion) before a general audience of scientists and members at the Society. In addition to the merits of the methodology and significance of their scientific work, finalists will be judged on their ability to make their work accessible and interesting to an audience uninitiated in their field of endeavour.

Winners will be announced at a special function following the presentations at the Royal Society of Victoria’s Hall.

The presentations are open to fellow students, friends and families through invitation, as well as RSV Members and the general public through this registration service.

The Biological Sciences (Non-human) prize and Earth Sciences prize are generously supported by donations from the families of previous Royal Society Presidents: Edmund D Gill and Neil Archbold respectively. We also gratefully acknowledge the generous support of Dr S Max Richards AM and Mrs Margaret R Richards across all categories.