UQ scoops Excellence in Science Education Awards

The contribution of The University of Queensland’s Science Schools Outreach unit was recognised with four awards across three categories by the State’s prestigious science education excellence awards at Parliament House today.

The Minister for Education and Training, The Hon Rod Welford MP, presented The Peter Doherty Awards for Excellence in Science and Science Education to the winning UQ science staff and students.

The awards recognise students, teachers, schools, and organisations that demonstrate an outstanding and innovative contribution to science and science education in Queensland.

Ms Doreen Awabdy accepted The Peter Doherty Outstanding Tertiary Science Education Institution Award on behalf of UQ’s Science Schools Outreach unit for science education programs that provide pre-service teachers with best teaching practice models for childhood, middle and senior school students.

UQ Science Schools Outreach administrator and primary school teacher Megan Ganter won The Peter Doherty Outstanding Primary and Middle Phase of Learning Teacher of Science Awards valued at $5000 for initiative in science education.

UQ Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Education students Ms Natalie Schimpf and Ms Shonel Messer were awarded The Peter Doherty Undergraduate Science Teacher Awards valued at $5000 each for outstanding students enrolled in an undergraduate degree in science and education at a Queensland university. Throughout 2006-7, both students participated in the Scientist-in-Residence program through the UQ Science Schools Outreach unit.

UQ Faculty of Biological and Chemical Sciences Executive Dean Professor Mick McManus said the awards were evidence of UQ’s commitment to fostering students’ passion for science and discovery.

“We have a unique focus on providing opportunities for our staff, students and schools to enrich the science experience for students at both primary and secondary level,” Professor McManus said.

Science Schools Outreach offers a range of programs to primary and secondary high schools including the Scientist in Residence program that places undergraduate science students in schools to collaborate with teachers to plan and deliver science lessons; and the Frontiers in Science lecture series that presents cutting-edge research conducted at The University of Queensland to the public.

The awards program, an initiative of the Queensland Government’s Science Education Strategy 2006 – 2009, is named after Nobel Prize winner and University of Queensland Graduate Professor Peter Doherty AC.

Media: Further information, UQ Faculty of Biological and Chemical Sciences -
Doreen Awabdy, Manager Science Schools Outreach: 07 334 69632
Karissa Douglass, Marketing Manager: 07 3346 9498.