Speeches
Friday, 08 November 2024
SA Science Excellence and Innovation Awards
I am very pleased to join you this evening for the presentation of the 2024 SA Science Excellence and Innovation Awards and to celebrate the awards’ 20th anniversary.
In South Australia, science is all around us.
We are the Defence State, leading the building of surface ships, sustaining Collins class submarines, and preparing for SSN-AUKUS to meet Australia's long-term defence needs.
We are the Space State, home to the Australia Space Agency, Australian Mission Control Centre and Australian Space Discovery Centre, along with more than 100 space-related organisations.
We are a national leader in the global energy transition. Sixteen years ago, one percent of our state’s energy was generated from renewables.
Today, it’s more than 70 percent, and growing.
We’re also at the forefront of hydrogen power development, building a large-scale plant in the Whyalla region.
As Governor it’s my great privilege to be briefed regularly on some of South Australia’s most exciting scientific research work.
I have the opportunity to visit local institutions and businesses applying research outcomes to develop cutting edge technologies that make our lives better.
I am often impressed by innovative approaches that are being taken, and the commitment of individuals and organisations to setting and achieving ambitious goals.
The SA Science Excellence and Innovation Awards present an important opportunity to recognise outstanding work in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine.
Since their inception the awards have grown from focusing solely on science and academia, to encompassing innovation and collaboration, facilitating recognition of high achievers across the STEMM spectrum.
The contributions of this evening’s finalists certainly span a wide range of endeavour.
They include, for example, the development of novel eye care technologies, foods for space travel and new forms of optical glasses and fibres; as well as research into digestive issues, screen time on early childhood development, and the role of native bees.
Also among the finalists are outstanding STEMM teachers, making the most of new technologies to educate students and inspire our next generation of science leaders.
I have had the pleasure of visiting a large number of South Australian high schools and have seen examples of inspiring teaching through robotics programs, and virtual reality learning systems.
My husband Rod – a former maths and science teacher – and I have great respect for STEM teachers and the way they embrace new technologies to generate engaging and effective learning experiences.
Friends,
I thank the Department of State Development for running these awards, and event sponsors for offering their support.
I congratulate all the award finalists on this recognition.
As STEMM leaders in our community, your work is key to building equitable prosperity, healthy communities and environments, and developing solutions to some of society's most pressing challenges.
Thank you for all that you do, and for growing South Australia’s reputation for scientific excellence and innovation.
I look forward to following your careers as you continue to make meaningful contributions in your fields and to our state.