2015 ASPIRE award focuses on disaster resilience

The Australian Academy of Science has called for applications from Australian researchers for the APEC Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Education (ASIPIRE) award for 2015. The US$25,000 award recognises young scientists who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in scientific research and cooperation with scientists across Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies.

This year’s theme, as selected by APEC host economy the Philippines, is ‘Disaster risk reduction: Understanding the role of climate change and variability’. The theme focuses on innovative technologies that may help economies adapt to the changing climate, protect the natural environment and build resilient and sustainable societies.

Each member economy is invited to nominate a scientist under 40 to be considered for the 2015 prize. Nominees should demonstrate high-quality research and cooperation in subjects such as sustainable development, environmental studies, ecology, disaster management, urban planning and engineering.

The Australian Government and the Australian Academy of Science will run a national competition to select three Australian finalists who will each be flown to Canberra to receive $2000. The winner will be nominated for the ASPIRE award, which will be presented at a ceremony in the Philippines in August 2015.

“ASPIRE is a fantastic opportunity for young Australian scientists to be recognised on the world stage and to help build scientific collaboration across the Asia-Pacific region,” said Australian Academy of Science President Professor Andrew Holmes. “As we see increasing disasters in our region, it’s the innovative work of these early-career scientists that will help us to adapt and deal with these risks in the future.”

Australian applications for ASPIRE will close on 29 April 2015. Further information is available from the Australian Academy of Science website or by emailing grants@science.org.au.