ACQAO Deputy Director Wins the Eureka Prize

Ken Baldwin (left) and the Minister for Science, Peter McGauran

Dr Ken Baldwin has won the 2004 Australian Government Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science for initiating and championing the annual FASTS' 'Science meets Parliament'.

Congratulating Dr Baldwin on his win, the President of FASTS, Professor Snow Barlow said 'Science meets Parliament' has become a standout event in the calendar of politicians and scientists.

"For two days a year, 250 scientists and more than 150 politicians discuss a whole raft of ideas in cutting edge science and how these can improve the quality of our lives, environment and economy."

"Science meets Parliament' is a two-way street that has transformed both politicians' understanding of the diversity and potential of science and scientist's understanding of parliamentary processes".

"Science meets Parliament' is a non-partisan event that has been warmly embraced by politicians from all parties and attracts 16 major sponsors from both the public and the private sector."

"FASTS gratefully acknowledge the support it has received from the Minister for Science, Peter McGauran, Shadow Minister, Senator Kim Carr, Democrat's spokesperson, Senator Natasha Stott Despoja and the 150 politicians who participate each year," said Professor Barlow.

Dr Baldwin is the Chair of the FASTS' policy committee and a Senior Fellow and Deputy Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum-Atom Optics at the Australian National University.

The Australian Museum Eureka Prizes are the nation's premier and most comprehensive science awards. Now in its 15th year, the Eureka Prizes raise the profile of science in the community by acknowledging and rewarding outstanding achievements in research, innovation, engineering, training, journalism and education.

The Australian Government Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science is awarded to individuals or groups for outstanding works of science communication.

The next 'Science meets Parliament' event will be in March 2005.

Media Inquiries: Bradley Smith (0408) 511 261
Ken Baldwin (0422) 958 249

For further reading, please lollow this link to the Australian Government Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science web site.

*) FASTS is the peak representative body of 60,000 Australian scientists and technologists.