I start the March newsletter on a sombre note, recognising the passing of Dr Margaret Middleton, aged 90. Dr Middleton generously supported young researchers by establishing the Margaret Middleton Fund for endangered Australian native vertebrate animals which is administered by the Academy. In doing so, she supported 82 research projects, many of which would not have been undertaken if it were not for her commitment to ecological research. Research projects ranged from ways to fight infections in koalas to the impact of plastic ingestion by sea turtles. While her legacy lives on, we shall miss her wise words and commitment to science.
The Margaret Middleton grant is one of a number grants and awards offered by the Academy. With nominations now open for the Academy’s 2020 awards, we need your help to identify scientists who have made outstanding contributions to science or have helped progress the advancement of science in Australia.
The Academy is continually seeking to increase the diversity of applicants for all our grants and awards. We strongly urge women and scientists from other under-represented groups to apply. The Academy makes continual improvements to its awards program to ensure best practice in our selection processes.
Time is running out with honorific award nominations closing on 1 May 2019 and research conferences, research awards and travelling fellowships closing on 1 June 2019.
And finally, please don’t forget to register for Science at the Shine Dome 2019—this year’s event will be better than ever as we celebrate 65 years of the Academy and 60 years of the iconic Shine Dome.
Enjoy the March newsletter.
Anna-Maria
© 2024 Australian Academy of Science
