Ms Lisa Hunt from the University of Adelaide is the recipient of the Academy’s 2019 Moran Award for History of Science Research.
Ms Hunt, a History PhD candidate, will study the development of Australian science during a period of significant change (1945 to 1963), and its impact on popular perceptions of science in Australia. The Snowy Mountains Scheme, Australia’s First Nuclear Reactor and the Parkes Telescope will be used as case studies.
Ms Hunt said in each case, an historical account of the scientific development will be constructed from existing secondary sources, along with an analysis of primary sources obtained from institutional archival records and public records such as parliamentary proceedings.
“A longitudinal study of public discourse and popular culture such as print media, educational films, television and radio segments produced between 1939 and 1963 will also be undertaken, to provide insights into popular attitudes toward these important scientific developments over time,” Ms Hunt said.
The Moran Award for History of Science Research is aimed at postgraduate students and other researchers with expertise in the history of Australian science. More information about the Moran award.
Dr Grace Muriuki, Research Fellow at the University of Queensland, is the recipient of a grant from the Academy’s 2019 WH Gladstones Population and Environment Fund.
Dr Muriuki will use the grant to study food security in rural and remote indigenous communities of The Pilbara and the potential for resource corridors in local food systems.
“It is well-known that the benefits and burdens of mining are distributed unevenly within remote communities. Studies have shown differential spatial patterns in economic and social dimensions of employment and income, housing access, education and skills training, public services, and non-mining business growth among different communities within resource-rich environments,” Dr Muriuki said.
“The research is aimed at identifying actions to maximise the potential of targeted corridors to disrupt systemic barriers to food insecurity in select remote communities.”
The WH Gladstones Population and Environment Fund offers support for empirical research into how the size, distribution, material aspirations and other characteristics of Australia’s population are likely to affect our environment. More information about the fund.
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