The Australian Academy of Science’s National Committee for History and Philosophy of Science in partnership with the National Museum of Australia has awarded the biannual Mike Smith Student Prize to Dr Michelle Bootcov for her essay titled ‘Robert Kirk: Blood, genetics, race and rights in the mid to late twentieth century’. Dr Bootcov’s winning essay was highly commended for its creative topic, strong analysis, and skilled presentation.
The Mike Smith award is a $3,000 prize that honours outstanding student work in the fields of Australian science history (including medicine and technology) or Australian environmental history. Selected entries may also be considered for publication in the Academy’s journal, Historical Records of Australian Science.
This prize is named in tribute to Dr Mike Smith, an esteemed Australian archaeologist and former Senior Research Fellow at the National Museum. The prize recognises his significant contributions to the field and his mentorship of young researchers.
The prize is judged by the chair of the National Committee for History and Philosophy of Science, an editor of Historical Records of Australian Science, and a representative of the National Museum of Australia.
The judges wish to thank all those who submitted to the 2023–24 Mike Smith Student Prize; all entries were highly commended for their discussion of interesting topics.
The next round of the Mike Smith Student Prize will be announced soon, with entries opening late next year.
© 2024 Australian Academy of Science
