Science Industry Icon Award

 

First two Science Industry Icons Announced

The two inaugural SIA Science Industry Icon Awards were presented at the recent Science Industry Action Agenda Launches in Sydney and Melbourne.

The award is to be made to no more than two recipients per year and is made to deserving recipients who have provided long and meritorious to the science industry for in excess of 20 years. This contribution must have additionally involved assistance and support to the industry, beyond their own company or institution.

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Minister Ian Macfarlane, MP, presented Mr. Ern Dawes, the chairman of the SGE Group of Companies, with his award at the Industry Day in Sydney on the 31st August 2005.

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Two days later, in Melbourne, Parliamentary Secretary Gary Nairn, MP, present Mr. Benn Selby with his Science Industry Icon award for the enormous contribution Benn and his family had made to the Science Industry in Australia.

Both recipients were thrilled to be so honoured in the presence of industry, research and government leaders.

Mr. Tony van Staveren, the SIA President and MD of Eppendorf South Pacific P/L, introduced both recipients and presented the relevant citations to those in attendance.

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Benn Selby, who is now in his nineties, made a most memorable response in reply to the Parliamentary Secretary's remarks and congratulations.

Two Science Industry Icons that have set an extremely high standard for those that might follow them!

Criteria for the SIA Science Industry Icon award

  • Award will be made to a living person
  • No more than two awards will be made in a calendar year
  • Recipient will have given long service to the science industry i.e. more than 20 years
  • Recipient will have made a significant contribution to the industry in Australia
  • Awards will not be given for research alone - a commercial outcome is essential
  • Recipient should be contributing or have contributed to the industry not just via the company they work for or own but have shown extra effort to help the industry by taking on activities such as mentoring, training, industry lobbying, group networking, student assistance etc outside their own workplace